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B /  _  : 

87.  BARLOW  (JOEL).    The  Vision  of  Columbus.    A  Poem 
in  nine  books.    First  Edition.    8vo,  original  calf. 

Hartford,  1787 
The  Subscribers'  names  include  His  Most  Christian  Majesty 
(Louis  XVI),  25  copies;  His  Excellency  George  Washington,  20 
copies;  Maj.-Genr.  le  Marquis  de  la  Fayette,  10  copies.  After- 
wards amplified  into  the  Columbiad.  Wegelin,  page  10,  does 
not  mention  the  six  leaves  of  subscriber  names.  Trumbull, 
309.     Sabin,  3434.     Blank  corner  of  title-page  torn  away. 


FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


ISC 


Div 
JJtctloa 


*   X        *\ 


4&& 


'the 


VISION 


O   F 


CO  LUMBUS; 


A    POEM    in    Nine    Books, 


By    JOEL    BARLOW,    Esquire, 


HARTFORD: 

PRINTED     BY     HUDSON     AND     GOODWIN,    FOR   THE    AwTHOR 

M.DCC.LXXX'VII, 


T  0 
HIS   MOST    CHRISTIAN    MAJESTY, 

LOUIS  the  Sixteenth, 

KING  of  FRANCE  and  NAVARRE. 


SIRE, 


I 


N  recounting  the  numerous  bleflings  which  have 
arifen  to  mankind  from  the  difcovery  of  America, 
the  mind  dwells  with  particular  pleifure  and  grati- 
tude upon  thofe  Characters,  from  whofe  hands  thefe 
bleflings  have  immediately  flowed.  That  change 
in  the  political  face  of  Europe,  that  liberality  of 
fentiment,  that  enlargement  of  commercial,  milita- 
ry and  philofophical  knowledge,  which  contrail  the 
prefent  with  the  fifteenth  century,  are  but  fo  many 
confequences  of  this  great  event ;  an  event  which 
laid  open  all  parts  of  the  earth  to  the  range  of  the 


DEDICATION. 

liberal  mind.  The  illuftrious  line  of  your  royal 
Anceftors  have  been  confpicuous  in  feizing  thofe 
advantages  and  difrufing  their  happy  effects.  The 
great  Father  of  the  Houfe  of  Bourbon  will  be  held 
in  the  highefc  veneration,  till  his  favourite  political 
fyftem  fhall  be  realized  among  the  nations  of  Eu- 
rope,  and  extended  to  all  mankind.  But  it  was 
left  to  his  more  glorious  Defendant,  to  accelerate 
the  progrefs  offociety,  by  difregarding  the  tempo- 
rary interefrs  and  local  policies  of  other  Monarchs, 
reaching  the  hand  of  beneficence  to  another  hem- 
ifphere,  and  railing  an  infant  empire,  in  a  few  years, 
to  a  degree  of  importance,  which  feveral  ages  were 
Icarcely  thought  fufficient  to  produce. 

This  is  the  fublime  of  humanity,  to  £cd  for  fu- 
ture ages  and  diflant  nations  -,  to  act  thofe  things, 
as  a  Monarch,  which  another  can  only  contemplate 
as  a  Philofopher,  or  image  in  the  flights  of  poetry. 
America  acknowledges  her  obligations  to  the  Guar- 
dian of  her  rights  -,  mankind,  who  furvey  your  con- 
duel,  and  poflerity,  for  whom  you  act,  will  fee  that 
the  tribute  of  gratitude  is  paid. 

If  to  patronize  the  Arts  can  add  to  the  praife  of 
thefe  more  glorious  actions,  your  Majefty's  fame 
in  this  refpeel  will  be  ever  facred  -,  as  there  are  none^ 
who  can  feel  the  fubject  fo  flrongly  as  thofe  who 


DEDICATION. 

are  the  particular  objects  of  your  royal  condefcen- 
fion. 

The  following  work,  which  may  be  confidered 
in  part,  as  the  offspring  of  thofe  reflections  which 
your  Majefty's  conduct  has  taught  me  to  moke, 
pofierTes  one  advantage  fcarcely  to  be  expected  in  a 
Poem  written  in  a  foreign  language.  Your  Majef- 
ty's permifTion,  that  the  unfortunate  Columbus 
may  once  more  enjoy  the  protection  of  a  royal  ben- 
efactor, has  added  a  new  obligation  to  thole  I  be- 
fore felt — in  common  with  a  grateful  country.  It  is 
the  policy  of  wife  Princes  to  encourage  the  liberal 
arts  among  their  fubjects  ;  and,  as  the  human  race 
are  the  objects  of  your  extended  administration, 
th^y  may  all  in  fome  meaiure  claim  the  privilege 
of  fubjects,  in  feeking  your  literary  as  well  as  po- 
litical protection. 

With  the  deepen:  fenfe  of  your  Majefty's  royal 
munificence  to  my  country,  and  gracious  condefcen- 
fion  to  myfelf,  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

Sire, 

YOUR    MAJESTY'S 

Moft  humble  and 

Moft  devoted  Servant, 

Joel  Barlow. 


INTRODUCTION 


JQ/VERY  circumftance  relating  to  the  difcovery 
and  fettlement  of  America,  is  an  interefting  obje&of 
enquiry.  Yet  it  is  prefumed,  from  the  prefent  (late 
of  literature  in  this  country,  that  many  perfons,  who 
might  be  entertained  with  an  American  production  of 
this  kind,  are  but  (lightly  acquainted  with  the  life 
and  character  of  that  great  man,  whofe  extraordinary- 
genius  led  him  to  the  difcovery  of  the  continent,  and 
whofe  fingular  fufferings  ought  to  excite  the  indigna- 
tion of  the  world. 

The  Spanifh  hiftorians,  who  treat  of  the  difcovery 
and  fettlement  of  South- America,  are  very  little  known 
in  the  United  States  ;  and  Doctor  Robertion's  hifto- 
ry  of  that  country,  which,  as  is  ufual  in  the  works  of 
that  judicious  writer,  contains  all  that  is  valuable  on 
the  fubject,  is  not  yet  reprinted  in  America,  and 
therefore  cannot  be  fuppofed  to  be  in  the  hands  of 
American  readers  in  general  :  and  perhaps  no  other 
writer  in  the  Englifh  language  has  given  a  furHcient 
account  of  the  life  of  Columbus  to  enable  them  toun- 
derftand  many  of  the  neceflary  allufions  in  the  fol- 
lowing Poem. 

Christopher  Columbus  was  born  in  the  repub- 
lic of  Genoa  about  the  year  1447  >  at  a  tifne  when 
the  navigation  of  Europe  was  fcarcely  extended  be- 
yond the  limits  of  the  Mediterranean.  The  mari- 
ner's compafs  had  been  invented  and  in  common  ufe 
for  more  than  a  century  -,  yet  with  the  help  of  this 


viii  INTRODUCTION. 

fare  guide,  prompted  by  the  moft  ardent  fpirit  of 
difcovery,  and  encouraged  by  the  patronage  of  prin- 
ces, the  mariners  of  thofe  days  rarely  ventured  from 
the  fight  of  land.  They  acquired  great  applaufe  by 
failing  along  the  coaft  of  Africa  and  difcovering  fome 
of  the  neighbouring  iflands;  and  after  pufhing  their 
refearches  with  the  greatefl  induftry  and  perfeverance 
for  more  than  half  a  century,  the  Portuguefe,  who  were 
the  moll:  fortunate  and  enterprifing,  extended  their 
difcoveries  fouthward  no  farther  than  the  equator. 

The  rich  commodities  of  the  Eafl  had  for  feveral 
ages  been  brought  into  Europe  by  the  way  of  the  Red 
Sea  and  the  Mediterranean  ;  and  it  had  now  become 
the  object  of  the  Portuguefe  to  find  a  paffage  to  In- 
dia, by  failing  round  thefouthern  extremity  of  Africa 
and  then  taking  an  eailern  courfe.  This  great  object 
engaged  the  general  attention  of  mankind,  and  drew 
into  the  Portuguefe  fervice  adventurers  from  every 
maritime  nation  in  Europe.  Every  year  added  to 
their  experience  in  navigation  and  feerned  to  promife 
a  reward  to  their  induftry.  The  profpecl  however  of 
arriving  at  the  Indies  was  extremely  diftant;  fifty  years 
perfeverance  in  the  fame  track,  had  brought  them  only 
to  the  equator,  and  it  was  probable  that  as  many  more 
would  elapfe  before  they  could  accomplifh  their  pur- 
pofe.  But  Columbus,  by  an  uncommon  exertion  of 
genius,  formed  a  dtfign  no  lefs  aftonifhing  to  the  age 
in  which  he  lived,  than  beneficial  to  poflerity.  This 
defign  was  to  fail  to  India  by  taking  a  weilern  direc- 
tion. By  the  accounts  of  travellers  who  had  vifited 
India,  that  country  feemed  almofl  without  limits  on 
the  eafb ;  and  by  attending  to  the  fpherical  figure  of 
the  earth,  Columbus  drew  this  conclufion,  that  the  At- 
lantic ocean  muft  be  bounded  on  the  weft  either  by 
India  itfelf,  or  by  fome  great  continent  not  far  diftant 
from  it. 


INTRODUCTION.  ix 


* 


This  extraordinary  man,  who  was  now  about  twen- 
ty-(,fven  years  of  age,  appears  to  have  united  in  his 
character  every  trait,  and  to  have  porTeffed  every  tal- 
lant,  requifite  to  form  and  execute  the  greateft  enter- 
prizes.  He  was  early  educated  in  all  the  ufeful  fci- 
ences  that  were  taught  in  that  day.  He  had  made 
great  proficiency  in  geography,  aftronomy  and  draw- 
ing, as  they  were  necefTary  to  his  favourite  purfuit  of 
navigation.  He  had  now  been  a  number  of  years  in 
the  fervice  of  the  Portuguefe^  and  had  acquired  all  the 
experience  that  their  voyages  and  difcoveries  could 
afford.  His  courage  and  perfeverance  had  been  put 
to  the  fevered  tell,  and  theexercife  of  every  amiable 
and  heroic  virtue  rendered  him  univerfally  known  and 
refpected.  He  had  married  a  Portuguefe  lady  by 
whom  he  had  two  fons,  Diego  and  Fardinand  ;  the 
younger  of  whom  is  the  hiftorian  of  his  life. 

Such  was  the  fituation  of  Columbus,  when  he  form- 
ed and  thoroughly  digefted  a  plan,  which,  in  its  op- 
eration and  confequences,  unfolded  to  the  view  of 
mankind  one  half  of  the  globe,  diffufed  wealth  and 
dignity  over  the  other,  and  extended  commerce  and 
civilization  through  the  whole.  To  corroborate  the 
theory  which  he  had  formed  of  the  exigence  of  a  wef- 
tern  continent,  his  defcerning  mind,  which  always 
knew  the  application  of  every  circumftance  that  fell 
in  his  way,  had  obferved  feveral  facts  which  by  others 
would  have  pafTed  unnoticed.  In  his  voyages  to  the 
African  iflands  he  had  found,  floating  afhore  after  a 
long  weftern  ftorm,  pieces  of  wood  carved  in  a  curi- 
ous manner,  canes  of  a  fize  unknown  in  that  quarter 
of  the  world,  and  human  bodies  with  very  lingular 
features.  Fully  confirmed  in  the  opinion  that  a  con- 
fiderable  portion  of  the  earth  was  Hill  undifcovered, 
his  genius  was  too  vigorous  and  perfeveringto  fuller 
an  idea  of  this,  importance  to  reft  meiely  in  fpecuia- 

B 


x  INTRODUCTION. 

tion,  as  it  had  done  in  the  minds  of  Plato  and  Seneca, 
who  appear  to  have  had  conjectures  of  a  fimilar^na- 
ture.  He  determined  therefore  to  bring  his  favourite 
theory  to  the  ted  of  actual  experiment.  But  an  ob- 
ject of  that  magnitude  required  the  patronage  of  a 
Prince  ;  and  a  defign  fo  extraordinary  met  with  all 
the  obftructions,  delays  and  difappointments,  which 
an  age  of  fuperftition  could  invent,  and  which  perfonal 
jealoufy  and  malice  could  magnify  and  encourage. 
Happily  for  mankind,  in  this  inftance,  a  genius,  ca- 
pable of  devifing  the  greater!:  undertakings,  aflbciat- 
ed  in  itfelf  a  degree  of  patience  and  enterprise,  mo- 
defty  and  confidence,  which  rendered  him  fuperior, 
not  only  to  thefe  misfortunes,  but  to  all  the  future  ca^ 
lamities  of  his  life.  Prompted  by  the  mod  ardent 
enthufiafm  to  be  the  difcoverer  of  new  continents,  and 
fully  fenfible  of  the  advantages  that  would  refult  to 
mankind  from  fuch  difcoveries,  he  had  the  mortifica- 
tion to  wafte  away  eighteen  years  of  his  Jife,  after  his 
fyftem  was  well  eftablifhed  in  his  own  mind,  before 
he  could  obtain  the  means  of  executing  his  deligns. 
The  greater!:  part  of  this  period  was  fpent  in  fuccefiive 
and  fruitlefs  folicitations,  at  Genoa,  Portugal  and 
Spain.  As  a  duty  to  his  native  country,  he  made  his 
fir  ft  propofal  to  the  Senate  of  Genoa;  where  it  was 
foon  rejected.  Gonfcious  of  the  truth  of  his  theory, 
and  of  his  own  abilities  to  execute  his  defign,  he  re- 
tired without  dejection  from  a  body  of  men  who  were 
incapable  of  forming  anyjuft  ideas  upon  the  fubject; 
and  applied  with  frefh  confidence  to  John  the  fecond, 
King  of  Portugal,  who  had  diftinguifhed  himfelf  as 
the  great  patron  of  navigation,  and  in  whofe  fervice 
Columbus  had  acquired  a  reputation  which  entitled 
him  and  his  project  to  general  confidence  and  appro- 
bation. But  here  he  fuffered  an  infult  much  greater 
than  a  direct  refufal.  After  referring  the  examina- 
tion of  his  fcheme  to  the  council  who  had  the  direc- 


INTRODUCTION.  xi 

tion  of  naval  affairs,  and  drawing  from  him  his  gen- 
eral ideas  of  the  length  of  the  voyage  and  the  courfe 
he  #eant  to  take,  that  great  monarch  had  the  mean- 
nefs  to  confpire  with  this  council  to  rob  Columbus  of 
the  glory  and  advantage  he  expected  to  derive  from 
his  undertaking.  While  Columbus  was  amufed  with 
this  negotiation,  in  hopes  of  having  his  fcheme  adopt- 
ed and  patronised,  a  vefTel  was  fecretly  difpatched, 
by  order  of  the  king,  to  make  the  intended  difcovery. 
Want  of  fkill  and  perfeverance  in  the  pilot  rendered 
the  plot  unfuccefsful ;  and  Columbus,  on  difcovering 
the  treachery,  retired  with  an  ingenuous  indignation 
from  a  court  capable  of  iuch  duplicity. 

Having  now  performed  what  was  due  to  the  coun- 
try that  gave  him  birth  and  to  the  one  that  had  a- 
dopted  him  as  a  fubject,  he  was  at  liberty  to  court  the 
patronage  of  any  prince  who  fhould  have  the  wifdom 
andjuftice  to  accept  his  propofals.  He  had  com- 
municated his  ideas  to  his  brother  Bartholomew,  whom 
he  fent  to  England  to  negotiate  with  Henry  feventh  ; 
at  the  fame  time  that  he  went  himfelf  into  Spain  to 
apply  in  perfon  to  Fardinand  and  Ifabella,  who  go- 
verned the  united  kingdoms  ofAragon  and  Caftile. 
The  circumftances  of  his  brother's  application  in  Eng- 
land, which  appears  to  have  been  unfuccefsful,  is  not 
to  my  purpofe  to  relate  ;  and  the  limits  prefcribed  to 
this  introduction  will  prevent  the  detail  of  all  the  par- 
ticulars relating  to  his  own  negociation  in  Spain.  In 
this  negociation  Columbus  fpent  eight  years,  in  the 
various  agitations  of  fufpence,  expectation  and  difap- 
pointment ;  till,  at  length  his  fcheme  was  adopted  by 
Ifabella,  who  undertook,  as  Queen  of  Caftile,  to  de- 
ftroy  the  expences  of  the  expedition  ;  and  declared 
herfelf,  ever  after,  the  friend  and  patron  of  the  hero 
who  projected  it. 


til  INTRODUCTION. 

Columbus,  who,  during  all  his  ill  fuccefs  in  the  nc-, 
gotiation,  never  abated  any  thing  of  the  honours  and 
emoluments  which  he  expected  to  acquire  in  tho(iex- 
pedition,  obtained  from  Fardinand  and  Ifabella  a  full 
ftipulation  of  every  article  contained  in  his  firft  pro-r 
pofals.  He  was  conflicted  high  Admiral  and  Vice- 
roy of  all  the  Seas,  Iflands  and  Continents  which  he 
ihould  difcover ;  with  power  to  receive  one  tenth 
of  the  profits  arifing  from  their  productions  and  com- 
merce. Thefe  offices  and  emoluments  were  to.  be 
hereditary  in  his  family. 

These  articles  being  adjufted,  the  preparations  for 
the  voyage  were  brought  forward  with  rapidity  -,  but 
they  were  by  no  means  adequate  to  the  importance  of 
the  expedition.  Three  fmall  vefTels,  fcarcely  fuffici- 
ent  in  fize  to  be  employed  in  the  caafting  buSineSs, 
were  appointed  to  traverfe  the  vaft  Atlantic  ;  and  to 
encounter  the  Storms  and  currents  that  might  be  ex- 
pected in  fo  lengthy  a  voyage,  through  diftant  and  un- 
known feas.  Thefe  vefTels,  as  might  be  expected  in 
the  infancy  of  navigation,  were  ill  constructed,  in  a 
poor  condition,  and  manned  by  feamen  unaccustomed 
to  diftant  voyages.  But  the  tedious  length  of  time 
which  Columbus  had  fpent  in  folicitation  and  SuS- 
pence,  and  the  profpect  of  being  able  foon,  to  obtain 
the  object  of  his  wifhes,  induced  him  to  overlook 
what  he  could  not  eafily  remedy,  and  led  him  to  dis- 
regard thofe  circumstances  which  would  have  intimid- 
ated any  other  mind.  He  accordingly  equiped  his 
Small  fquadron  with  as  much  expedition  as  poflible, 
manned  with  ninety  men  and  victualled  for  one  year. 
With  thefe,  on  the  3d  of  Augufl  1492,  amidfl  a  vaft: 
croud  of  anxious  Spectators,  he  fet  Sail  on  an  enter- 
prize,  which,  if  we  confider  the  ill  condition  of  his 
(hips,  the  inexperience  of  his  Sailors,  the   length  and 


INTRODUCTION.  xiii 

uncertainty  of  his  voyage,  and  the  confequences  that 
flowed  from  it,  was  the  moil  daring  and  important 
ths^ever  was  undertaken.  He  touched  at  fome  cf 
the  Portuguefe  fettlements  in  the  Canary  Ides ;  where, 
although  he  had  had  but  a  few  days  run,  he  found  his 
veiTels  needed  refitting.  He  foon  made  the  neceiTary 
repairs,  and  took  his  departure  from  the  weftermoft 
I  (lands  that  had  hitherto  been  difcovered.  Here  he 
left  the  former  track  of  navigation  and  fleered  his 
courfe  due  weft. 

Not  many  days  after  he  had  been  atfea,  he  began  to 
experience  a  new  fcene  of  difficulty.  The  failors 
now  began  to  contemplate  the  dangers  and  uncertain 
iflueofa  voyage,  the  nature  and  length  of  which  was 
left  entirely  open  to  conjecture.  Befides  the  fickle- 
nefs  and  timidity  natural  to  men  unaccuftomed  to  the 
difcipline  of  a  feafaring  life,  feveral  circumftances 
contributed  to  infpire  anobftipate  and  mutinous  difpo- 
fition,  which  required  tne  mod  confummate  art  as 
well  as  fortitude  in  the  admiral  tocontroul.  Having 
been  three  weeks  at  fea,  and  experienced  the  uniform 
courfe  of  the  trade  winds,  which  always  blow  in  a  weft- 
ern  direction,  they  contended  that,  fhould  they  con- 
tinue the  fame  courfe  for  a  longer  period,  the  fame 
winds  would  never  permit  them  to  return  to  Spain. 
The  magnetic  needle  began  to  vary  its  direction. 
This  being  the  firft  time  that  phenomenon  was  ever 
difcovered,  it  was  viewed  by  the  failors  with  afto.iilli- 
ment,  and  confidered  as  an  indication  that  nature  it- 
felf  had  changed  her  courfe,  and  that  Providence  was 
determined  to  punifh  their  audacity,  in  venturing  fo  far 
beyond  the  ordinary  bounds  of  man.  They  declared 
that  the  commands  of  their  fovereign  had  been  fjlly 
obeyed,  in  their  proceeding  fo  many  days  in  the  fame 
direction,  arid  fo  far  furpaffing  the  attempts  of  a,  11  for? 


xiv  INTRODUCTION, 

mer  navigators,  in  queft  of  new  difcoveries.  Every 
talent,  requifite  for  governing,  foothing  and  temper- 
ing the  paffions  of  men,  is  confpicuous  in  the  conJtult 
of  Columbus  on  this  occafion.  The  dignity  and  af- 
fability of  his  manners,  his  furprifing  knowledge  and 
experience  in  naval  affairs,  his  unwearied  and  minute 
attention  to  the  duties  of  his  command  gave  him  a 
complete  afcendantover  the  minds  of  his  men,  and 
infpired  that  degree  of  confidence  which  would  have 
maintained  his  authority  in  almoft  any  pofiible  cir- 
cumstances. But  here,  from  the  nature  of  the  under- 
taking, every  man  had  leifure  to  feed  his  imagination 
with,  all  the  gloominefs  and  uncertainty  of  the  prof- 
peel:.  They  found,  every  day,  that  the  fame  fteady 
gales  carried  them  with  great  rapidity  from  their  na- 
tive country,  and  indeed  from  all  countries  of  which 
they  had  any  knowledge.  Notwithstanding  all  the 
variety  of  management  with  which  Columbus  addreffed 
himfelf  to  their  paffions,  fometimes  by  foothing  them 
with  the  prognoftics  of  difcovering  land,  fometimes 
by  Battering  their  ambition  and  feafting  their  avarice 
with  the  glory  and  wealth  they  would  acquire  from 
difcovering  thofe  rich  countries  beyond  the  Atlantic, 
and  fometimes  by  threatening  them  with  the  difplea- 
fureof  their  fovereign,  mould  their  timidity  and  dif- 
obedience  defeat  fo  great  an  object,  their  uneafinefs 
ftili  Jncreafed.  From  fecret  whifperings,  it  arofe  to  o- 
pen  mutiny  and  dangerous  confpiracy.  At  length 
they  determined  to  rid  themfelves  of  the  remonftran- 
ces  6f  Columbus^  by  throwing  him  into  the  fea.  The 
infection  fpread  from  fhip  to  fhip,  and  involved  Offi- 
cers as  well  as  common  failors.  They  finally  loft  all 
fenfe  of  iubordi  nation,  and  addreffed  their  command- 
er in  an  infolent  manner,  demanding  to  be  conducted 
immediately  back  to  Spain  ;  or,  they  affured  him,  they 
would  feek  their  own  fafety  by  taking  away  his.   life. 


INTRODUCTION.  xv 

Columbus,  whofe  fagacity  and  penetration  had  dis- 
covered every  fymptom  of  the  diforder,  was  prepared 
for  this  1  aft  ftageof  it,  and  was  fufficiently  apprized  of 
the  danger  that  awaited  him.  He  found  it  vain  to  con- 
tend with  paflions  he  could  no  longer  controul.  He 
therefore  propofed  that  they  fhouid  obey  his  orders  for 
three  days  longer ;  and,  fhouid  they  not  difcover 
land  in  that  time,  he  would  then  direct  his  courfe  for 
Spain.  They  complied  with  his  propofal  ;  and,  hap- 
pily for  mankind,  in  three  days  they  difcovered  Land. 
This  was  a  fmall  I  (land,  to  which  Columbus  gave  the 
name  of  San  Salvador.  Their  firft  interview  with  the 
natives  was  a  fcene  of  amufement  and  compafllon 
on  the  one  part,  and  of  aftonifhment  and  adoration 
on  the  other.  The  natives  were  entirely  naked,  fim- 
ple  and  timorous,  and  they  viewed  the  Spaniards  as  a 
Superior  order  of  beings,  defcended  from  the  Sun, 
which,  in  that  Ifland  and  in  mod  parts  of  America,  was 
worfhiped  as  a  Deity.  By  this  it  was  eafy  for  Colum- 
bus to  perceive  the  line  of  conduct  proper  to  be  ob- 
ferved  toward  that  fimple  and  inoftenfive  people. 
HadTiis  companions  and  fuccefibrs,  of  the  Spanifh  na- 
tion poiTefTed  the  wifdom  and  humanity  of  that  great 
difcoverer,  the  benevolent  mind  would  feel  no  fenfa- 
tions,  of  regret,  in  contemplating  the  extenfivc  advan- 
tages arifing  to  mankind  from  the  difcovery'  of  A- 
merica. 

In  this  voyage,  Columbus  difcovered  thelfiandsof 
Cuba  and  Hifpaniola  ;  on  the  latter  of  which,  he  erect- 
ed a  fmall  fort,  and  having  left  a  garrifon  of  thirty- 
eight  men,  under  the  command  of  an  Officer  by  the 
name  of  Arada,  he  fet  fail  for  Spain.  Returning  a- 
crofs  the  Atlantic,  he  was  overtaken  by  a  violent 
ftorm,  which  lafted  feveral  days  and  increafed  to  fuch 
a  degree,  as  baffled  all  his  naval  (kill  and  threatened 


xvi  INTRODUCTION. 

immediate  dedruction.  In  this  fituation,  when  a!l 
were  in  a  date  of  defpair,  and  it  was  expected  that  ev- 
ery fea  would  fwallow  up  the  crazy  verTel,  he  manifcd- 
ed  a  ferenity  and  prefence  of  mind,  perhaps  never  e- 
quailed  in  cafes  of  like  extremity.  He  wrote  a  fhort 
account  of  his  voyage  and  of  the  difcoveries  he  had 
made,  wrapped  it  in  an  oiled  cloth,  enclofed  it  in  a 
cake  of  wax,  put  it  into  an  empty  cafk  and  threw  it  o- 
verboard ;  in  hopes  that  fome  accident  might  pre- 
ferve  a  depofit  of  fo  much  importance  to  the  world. 

The  ftorm  however  abated,  and  he  at  length  ar- 
rived in  Spain  ;  after  having  been  driven  by  ftrefs  of 
weather  into  the  Port  of  Lifbon,  where  he  had  oppor- 
tunity in  an  interview  with  the  King  of  Portugal,  to 
prove  the  truth  of  his  fyftem  by  arguments  more  con- 
vincing than  thofe  he  had  before  advanced,  in  the 
character  of  an  humble  and  unfuccefsful  fuitor.  He 
was  received  every  where  in  Spain  with  Royal  hon- 
ours, his  family  was  ennobled,  and  his  former  dipula- 
tion  refpecling  his  offices  and  emoluments  was  ratifi- 
ed in  the  mod  folemn  manner,  by  Fardinand  and  Ifa- 
bella;  while  all  Europe  refounded  his  praifes  and  re- 
ciprocated their  joy  and  congratulations  on  the  difcov- 
ery  of  a  new  world. 

The  immediate  confequence  of  this  was  a  fecond 
voyage;  in  which  Columbus  took  charge  of  a  fqu  ad- 
ron  of  feventeen  Ships  of  confiderabie  burthen.  Vo- 
lunteers of  all  ranks  and  conditions  foiicited  to  be 
employed  in  this  expedition.  He  carried  over  fif- 
teen hundred  perfons,  together  with  all  the  ncceflV 
ries  for  eftabliihing  a  Colony  and  extending  his  dif- 
coveries. In  this  voyage  he  explored  mod  of  the 
Welt-India  Idands  ;  but,  on  his  arrival  at  HifpanioJa,- 
he  found  the  garrifon  he  had  left  there  had  been  total- 


INTRODUCTION.  xvii 

ly  deftroyed  by  the  natives,  and  the  fort  demoliflied. 
He  however  proceeded  in  the  planting  of  his  colo- 
ny ;  and,  by  his  prudent  and  humane  conduct  towards 
the  natives*  he  effectually  eftabliihed  the  Spanifh  au- 
thority in  that  IQand.  But  while  he  was  thus  laying 
the  foundation  of  their  future  grandeur  in  South  A- 
rnerica,  fome  difcontented  perfons,  who  had  returned 
from  the  colony  to  Spain,  together  with  his  former 
enemies  in  that  Kingdom,  confpired  to  accompiifh 
his  ruin.      • 

They  reprefented  his  conduct-  in  fuch  a  light  at 
court,  as  to  create  uneafinefs  and  diltruft  in  the  jeal- 
ous mind  of  Fardinand,  and  made  it  neceffary  for  Co- 
lumbus again  to  return  to  Spain,  in  order  to  counter- 
act their  machinations,  and  to  obtain  fuch  farther  fup- 
plies  as  were  neceffary  to  his  great  political  and  be- 
nevolent purpofes.  On  his  arriving  at  court,  and 
ftating  with  his  ufual  dignity  and  confidence  the 
whole  hiftory  of  his  transactions  abroad,  every  thing 
wore  a  favourable  appearance.  He  was  received  with 
ufual  honours,  and  again  {"elicited  to  take  charge  of 
another  fquadron,  to  carry  out  farther  fupplies,  to 
purfue  his  difcoveries,  and  in  every  refpect  to  ufe  his 
difcretion  in  extending  the  Spanifh  Empire  in  the  new 
World.  In  this  third  voyage  he  difcovered  the  Con- 
tinent of  America  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  Oronoque: 
He  rectified  many  dilbrders  in  his  government  of  Hi- 
fpaniola  which  had  happened  in  his  abfence  -,  and  ev- 
ery thing  was  going  on  in  a  profperous  train,  when  an 
event  was  announced  to  him,  which  completed  his 
own  ruin,  and  gave  a  fatal  turn  to  the  Spanifh  policy 
and  conduct  in  America.  This  was  the  arrival  of 
Francis  deEovadilla,  with  a  commiffion  tofupercede 
Columbus  in  his  government ;  and  with  power  to  ar- 
raign him  as  a  criminal,  and  to  judge  of  his  former 
adminiftration,  C 


xviii  INTRODUCTION. 

It  feemsthat  by  this  time  the  enemies  cf  Columbus, 
defpairing  to  complete  his  overthrow  by  groundlefs 
insinuations  of  mal-conduc~t,  had  taken  the  more  ef- 
fectual method  of  exciting  thejealoufy  of  their  Sove-^ 
reigns.  From  the  promifing  lamples  of  Gold  and  oth- 
er valuable  commodities  brought  from  America,  they 
took  occafion  to  repreient  to  the  King  and  Queen,  that 
the  prodigious  wealth  and  extent  of  the  countries  he 
had  dilcovered  would  foon  throw  fuch  power  into  the 
hands  of  the  Viceroy,  that  he  would  trample  on  the 
Royal  Authority  and  bid  defiance  to  the  Spanifn  pow- 
er. Thefe  arguments  were  well  calculated  for  the 
cold  and  fufpicious  temper  of  Fardinand,  and  they 
mult  have  had  fome  effect  upon  the  mind  of  Ifabella. 
The  confequence  was  the  appointment  of  Bavadilla, 
who  had  been  the  inveterate  enemy  of  Columbus,  to 
take  the  government  from  his  hands.  This  firft  tyrant 
of  the  Spaniih  nation  in  America  began  his  admini- 
ilraticn  by  ordering  Columbus  to  be  put  in  chains  on 
board  a  fhip,  and  fending  him  prifoner  to  Spain.  By 
relaxing  all  diicipline  he  introduced  diforder  and  licen- 
ciouihefs  throughout  the  colony.  Fie  Subjected  the 
unhappy  natives  toameft  miferable  fervitude,  and  ap- 
portioned them  out  in  large  numbers  among  his  adhe- 
rents. Under  this  fevere  treatment  perifhed  in  afhort 
time  many  thoufands  of  thofe  innocent  people. 

Columbus  was  carried  in  his  fetters  to  the  Spanifh 
court,  where  the  King  and  Queen  either  feigned  or 
felt  a  fuixicient  regret  at  the  conduct  of  Bovadilla  to- 
wards this  illuilrious  prifoner.  He  was  not  only  re- 
leafed  from  confinement,  but  treated  with  all  imagin- 
able refpect.  But,  although  the  king  endeavoured  to 
expiate  the  offence  by  cenfuring  and  recalling  Bova- 
dilla, yet  we  may  judge  of  his  Sincerity  from  his  ap- 
pointing Nicholas  de  Ovando,  another  bitter  enemy 
of  Columbus,  to  fucceed  in  the  government,  and  from 


INTRODUCTION.  xix 

his  ever  after  refufing  to  reinftate  Columbus,  or  to  ful- 
fil any  of  the  conditions  on  which  the  difcovei  ies 
were  undertaken.  After  two  years  folicitation  for  this 
or  fome  other  employment,  he  at  lengrh  obtained  a 
fquadron  of  four  fmall  veiTels  to  attempt  new  difcove- 
ries.  He  now  fet  out,  with  the  ardour  and  enthufiafm 
of  a  young  adventurer,  in  quell  of  whit  was  always 
his  favourite  object,  a  paffage  into  the  South  Sea,  by 
which  he  might  fail  to  India.  He  touched  at  Hifpan- 
iola,  where  Ovando,  the  governor,  refuled  him  admit- 
tance onfhore  even  to  take  fnelter  during  a  hurricane, 
the  prognoftics  of  which  his  experience  had  taught 
him  to  difcern.  By  putting  into  a  fmall  creek,  he 
rode  out  the  ftorm,  and  then  bore  away  for  the  conti- 
nent. Several  months,  in  the  mod  boiflercus  feafon 
of  the  year,  he  fpent  in  exploring  the  coaii  round  the 
gulph  of  Mexico,  in  hopes  of  finding  the  intended 
navigation  to  India.  At  length  he  was  fhipwrecked, 
and  driven  afhore  on  the  Ifland  of  Jamaica. 

His  cup  of  calamities  feemed  now  completely  full. 
He  was  call  upon  an  ifland  of  favages,  without  pro- 
vifions,  without  any  vefiel,  and  thirty  leagues  from 
any  Spanifh  fettlement.  But  the  greater!  providen- 
tial misfortunes  are  capable  of  being  imbittered  by 
the  infults  of  our  fellow  creatures.  A  few  of  his 
hardy  companions  generoufiy  offered,  in  two  Indian 
canoes,  to  attempt  a  voyage  to  Hifpaniola,  in  hopes 
of  obtaining  a  veffel  for  the  relief  of  the  unhappy 
crew.  After  fuffering  every  extremity  of  danger  and 
hardfhip,  they  arrived  at  the  Spanifh  colony  in  ten 
days.  Ovando,  through  perlbnal  malice  and  jeal- 
oufy  of  Columbus,  after  having  detained  thefe  rncf- 
fengers  eight  months,  difpatched  a  vefTel  to  Jamaica, 
in  order  to  fpy  out  the  condition  of  Columbus  and 
his  crew  ;  with  pofitive  inftructions  to  the  Captain 
not  to  afford  them  any  relief.  This  order  was 
punctually  executed.      The  Captain  approached  the 


xx  INTRODUCTION. 

fhore,  delivered  a  letter  of  empty  compliment  from 
Ovando  to  the  Admiral,  received  his  anfwer  and  re- 
turned. About  four  months  afterwards  a  veffel  came 
to  their  relief;  and  Columbus,  worn  out  with  fatigues 
and  broken  with  misfortunes,  returned  for  the  laft 
time  to  Spain.  Here  a  new  diftrefs  awaited  him, 
which  he  confidered  as  one  of  the-greateft  he  had  fuf- 
fered,  in  his  whole  life.  This  was  the  death  of  Queen 
Ifabella,  his  lad  and  greateft  friend. 

He  did  not  fuddenly  abandon  himfelf  to  defpair. 
He  called  upon  the  gratitude  and  juftice  of  the  King  ; 
and,  in  terms  of  dignity,  demanded  the  fulfilment  of 
his  former  contract.  Notwithstanding  his  age  and 
Infirmities,  he  even  folicited  to  be  farther  employed 
In  extending  the  career  of  diicovery,  without  a  prof- 
peel:  of  any  other  reward  but  the  confeioufnefs  of  doing 
good  to  mankind.  But  Fardinand,  cold,  ungrateful 
and  timid,  dared  not  to  comply  with  a  fingle  propo- 
sal of  this  kind,  left  he  Ihould  encreafe  his  own  obli- 
gations to  a  man,  whofe  fervices  he  thought  it  danger- 
ous to  reward.  He  therefore  delayed  and  avoided  any 
decifion  on  thefe  Subjects,  in  hopes  that  the  declining 
health  of  Columbus  would  foon  rid  the  court  of  the 
remonfurances  of  a  man,  whofe  extraordinary  merit 
was,  in  their  opinion,  a  Sufficient  occafion  of  deftroy- 
ing  him.  In  this  they  were  not  difappointed.  Co- 
lumbus languished  a  fhort  time,  and  gladly  refigned  a 
life,  which  had  been  worn  out  in  the  moil  eilential 
Services  perhaps  that  were  ever  rendered,  by  any  hu- 
man character,  to  an  ungrateful  wprld. 

Sometime  in  this  gloomy  interval,  before  his  death, 
the  Vifion  is  fuppofed  to  have  been  prefented  to  him ; 
in  order  to  Satisfy  his  benevolent  mind,  by  unfolding 
to  him  the  importance  of  his  difcoveries,  in  their  ex- 
tenSive  influence  upon  the  intereft  and  happinefs  of 
mankind,  in  theprogrefs  of  Society, 


INTRODUCTION.  *xi 

The  Author  has  indulged  a  fmall  anachronifm  in 
the  opening  of  the  Poem,  for  the  fake  of  grouping 
the  misfortunes  of  the  hero  ;  as  the  time  of  his  actu- 
al imprifonment  was  previous  to  his  laft  vojage  and 
to  the  death  of  Ifabella. 

The  Author,  at  firft,  formed  an  idea  of  attempting 
a  regular  Epic  Poem,  on  the  difcovery  of  America. 
But  on  examining  the  nature  of  that  event,  he  found 
that  the  mod  brilliant  fubjects  incident  to  fuch  a  plan 
would  arife  from  the  confequences  of  the  difcovery, 
and  mull  be  reprefented  in  vifion.  Indeed  to  have 
made  it  a  patriotic  Poem,  by  extending  the  fubject  to 
the  fettlement  and  revolutions  of  North  America  and 
their  probable  effect  upon  the  future  progrefs  of  foci- 
ety  at  large,  would  have  protracted  the  vifion  to  fuch 
a  degree  as  to  render  it  difproportionate  to  the  reft 
of  the  work.  To  avoid  an  abfurdity  of  this  kind, 
which  he  fuppofed  the  critics  would  not  pardon,  he 
rejected  the  idea  of  a  regular  Epic  form,  and  has  con- 
fined his  plan  to  the  train  of  events  which  might  be  re- 
prefented to  the  hero  in  vifion.  This  form  he  con- 
fiders  as  the  bed  that  the  nature  of  the  fubiedl  would 
admit ;  and  the  regularity  of  the  parts  wilrfppear  by 
obferving,  that  there  is  a  fingle  poetical  defign  con- 
flantly  kept  in  view,  which  is  to  gratify  and  footh  the 
defponding  mind  of  the  hero :  It  being  the  greareft 
poflible  reward  of  his  fervices,  and  the  only  one  that 
his  fituation  would  permit  him  to  enjoy,  to  convince 
him  that  his  labours  had  not  been  beftowed  in  vain, 
and  that  he  was  the  author  of  fuch  extenfive  happinefs 
to  the  human  race. 


THE 


VISION    of    COLUMBUS. 


BOOK     I, 


ARGUMENT. 

Condition  and  Joliloquy  of  Columbus.      Appearance  and 

Jpeech  of  the  Angel.     'I  hey  of c  end  the  Mount  of  Vifion. 

Continent  of  America  draws  into  view,  and  is  dejcribed 

by  the  mountains,  rivers,  lakes,  foil,  temperature  and 

fome  of  the  natural  productions. 


The  VISION  of  COLUMBUS. 
BOOK     I. 

I  ^ONG  had  the  Sage,  the  firft  who  dared  to  brave 
The  unknown  dangers  of  the  weilern  wave, 
Who  taught  mankind  where  future  empires  lay- 
In  thefe  fair  confines  of  defcending  day. 
With  cares  o'erwhelm'd,  in  life's  diftrefting  gloom, 
Wifh'd  from  a  thanklefs  world  a  peaceful  tomb  j 
While  kings  and  nations,  envious  of  his  name, 
Enjoy'd  his  toils  and  triumph'd  o'er  his  fame, 
And  gave  the  chief,  from  promifed  empire  huiTd, 
Chains  for  a  crown,  a  prifon  for  a  world. 
Now  night  and  filence  held  their  lonely  reign, 
The  half-orb'd  moon  declining  to  the  main  ; 
Defcending  clouds,  o'er  varying  ether  driven, 
Obfcured  the  ftars  and  fhut  the  eye  from  heaven  ; 
Cold  mills  through  opening  grates  the  cell  invade, 
And  deathlike  terrors  haunt  the  midnight  fhade  ; 
When  from  a  vifionary,  fhort  repofe, 
That  raifed  new  cares  and  temper'd  keener  woes, 
Columbus  woke,  and  to  the  walls  addrefs'd 
The  deep-felt  forrows  of  his  manly  bread. 

D 


*6  B    O    O    K        I. 

Here  lies  the  purchafe,  here  the  wretched  fpoil, 
Of  painful  years  and  perfevering  toil : 
For  thefe  dread  walks,  this  hideous  haunt  of  pain, 
I  traced  new  regions  o'er  the  pathlefs  main, 
Dared  all  the  dangers  of  the  dreary  wave, 
Hung  o'er  its  clefts  andtopp'd  the  furging  grave, 
Saw  billowy  feas,  in  fwelling  mountains  roll, 
And  burfting  thunders  rock  the  reddening  pole, 
Death  rear  his  front  in  every  dreadful  form, 
Gape  from  beneath  and  blacken  in  the  ftorm; 
Till,  toft  far  onward  to  the  fkirts  of  day, 
Where  milder  funs  difpens'd  a  fmiling  ray, 
Through  brighter  fkies  my  happier  fails  defcry'd 
The  golden  banks  that  bound  the  weftern  tide, 
And  gave  the  admiring  world  that  bounteous  Ihore 
Their  wealth  to  nations  and  to  kings  their  power. 

Oh  land  of  tranfport !  dear,  delufive  coaft, 
To  thefe  fond,  aged  eyes  forever  loft  ! 
No  more  thy  gladdening  vales  I  travel  o'er, 
For  me  thy  mountains  rear  the  head  no  more, 
For  me  thy  rocks  no  fparkling  gems  unfold, 
Or  ftreams  luxuriant  wear  their  paths  in  gold  ; 
From  realms  of  promifed  peaceibrever  borne, 
I  hail  dread  anguifh,  and  in  fecret  mourn. 

But  dangers  paft,  fair  climes  explored  in  vain. 
And  foes  triumphant  mew  but  half  my  pain. 
Diffembling  friends,  each  earlier  joy  who  gave, 
And  fired  my  youth  the  ftorms  of  fate  to  brave, 


B    O    O    K       I.  A7 

Swarm'd  in  the  funfhine  of  my  happier  days, 
Purfued  the  fortune  and  partook  the  praife, 
Core  in  my  doubtful  caufe  a  twofold  part, 
The  garb  of  friendfhip  and  the  viper' s  heart, 
Pafs  my  loath'd  cell  with  fmiles  of  four  difdain, 
Infult  my  woes  and  triumph  in  my  pain. 

One  gentle  guardian  Heaven  indulgent  gave, 
And  now  that  guardian  (lumbers  in  the  grave. 
Hear  from  above,  thou  dear  departed  fhade, 
As  once  my  joys,  my  prefent  forrows  aid, 
Burn:  my  full  heart,  afford  that  lad  relief, 
Breathe  back  my  fighs  and  reinfpire  my  grief; 
Still  in  my  fight  thy  royal  form  appears, 
Reproves  my  filence  and  demands  my  tears. 
On  that  bleft  hour  my  foul  delights  to  dwell, 
When  thy  protection  bade  the-  canvafs  fwell, 
When  kings  and  courtiers  found  their  factions  vain, 
Blind  Superftition  ihrunk  beneath  her  chain, 
The  fun's  glad  beam  led  on  the  circling  way, 
And  ifles  rofe  beauteous  in  the  weflern  day. 
But  o'er  thofefilvery  ihores,  that  fair  domain, 
What  crouds  of  tyrants  fix  their  horrid  reign  ! 
Again  fair  Freedom  feeks  her  kindred  fkies, 
Truth  leaves  the  world,  and  Ifabella  dies. 

Oh,  lend  thy  friendly  fhroud  to  veil  my  fight, 
That  thefe  pain'd  eyes  may  dread  no  more  the  light, 
Thefe  welcome  fhades  conclude  my  inftant  doom, 
And  this  drear  manfion  moulder  to  a  tomb* 


a*  B    O    O    K        I. 

Thus  mourn'd  the  haplefs  chief;  a  thundering  found 
Roll'd  round  the  fhuddering  walls    and  {hook    the 
O'er  all  the  dome,  where  felemn  arches  bend,  [ground; 
The  roofs  unfold  and  dreams  of  light  defcend  ; 
The  growing  fplendor  fill'd  the  aftonilh'd  room, 
And  gales  etherial  breathed  a  glad  perfume  ; 
Mild  in  the  midft  a  radiant  feraph  fhone, 
Robed  in  the  veftments  of  the  rifing  fun  ; 
Tall  rofe  his  ftature,  youth's  primeval  grace 
Moved  o'er  his  limbs  and  brighten'd  in  his  face, 
His  clofmg  wings,  in  golden  plumage  dreft, 
With  gentle  fvveep  came  folding  o'er  his  bieaft, 
His  locks  in  rolling  ringlets  glittering  hung, 
And  founds  melodious  moved  his  heavenly  tongue. 

Rife,  trembling  Chief,  to  fcenes  of  rapture,  rife, 
This  voice  awaits  thee  from  the  approving  fkies; 
Thy  juft  complaints,  in  heavenly  audience  known. 
Call  mild  companion  from  the  indulgent  throne  ; 
Let  grief  no  more  awake  the  piteous  ftrain, 
Nor  think  thy  piety  or  toils  are  vain. 
Tho'  faithlefs  men  thy  injured  worth  defpife, 
Deprefs  all  virtue  and  infult  the  fkies, 
Yet  look  thro'  nature,  Heaven's  own  conduct  trace, 
What  power  divine  fuftains  the  unthankful  race  ! 
From  that  great  Source,  that  life-infpiring  Soul, 
Suns  drew  their  light  and  fyftems  learn'd  to  roll, 
Time  walk'd  the  filent  round,  and  life  began, 
And  God's  fair  image  flamp'd  the  mind  of  man, 


B     O     O     K        1.  29 

Down  the  long  vale,  where  rolling  years  defcend, 
To  thy  own*  days,  behold  his  care  extend  ; 
From  one  eternal  Spring,  what  love  proceeds  ! 
Smiles  in  the  feraph,  in  the  Saviour  bleeds, 
Shines  through  all  worlds,  that  fill  the  bounds  of  fpace, 
And  lives  immortal    in    thy  favcur'd    race. 
Yet  no  return  the  almighty  Power  can  know, 
From  earth  to  heaven  no  juft  reward  can  flow, 
Men  fpread  their  wants,  the  all-bounteous  hand  fup- 
And  gives  the  joys  that  mortals  dare  defpife.     [plies, 
In  thefe  dark  vales  where  blinded  faction  fways, 
Wealth  pride  and  conquefl  claim  the  palm  of  praife, 
Aw'd  into  flaves,  while  groping  millions  groan^ 
And  blood-ftain'd  fleps  lead  upwards  to  a  throne. 

Far  other  wreaths  thy  virtuous  temples  claim, 
Far  nobler  honours  build  thy  facred  name, 
Thine  be  the  joys  the  immortal  mind  that  grace 
Pleas'd  with  the  toils,  that  blefs  thy  kindred  race. 
Now  raife  thy  ravifh'd  foul  to  fcenes  more  bright, 
The  glorious  fruits  afcendingon  thy  fight ; 
For,  wing'd  with  fpeed,  from  brighter  worlds  I  came, 
To  footh  thy  grief  and  fhow  thy  diftant  fame. 

As  that  great  Seer,  whofe  animating  rod 
Taught  Ifrael's  fons  the  wonder-working  God, 
Who  led,  thro*  dreary  waftes,  the  murmuring  band 
To  the  fair  confines  of  the  promifed  land, 
Opprefs'd  with  years,  from  Pifgah's  beauteous  height, 
O'er  boundlefs  regions  caft  the  raptured  fight 5 


*p  B    O    O    K        I, 


o 


The  joys  of  unborn  nations  warm'd  his  breaft, 
Repaid  his  toils  and  footh'd  his  foul  to  reft  -, 
Thus,  o'er  thy  fubjecl:  wave,  fhalt  thou  behold 
Far  happier  realms  their  future  charms  unfold, 
In  nobler  pomp  another  Pifgah  rife, 
Beneath  whofe  foot  thine  own  Canaan  lies ; 
There,  rapt  in  vinon,  hail  the  diftant  clime, 
And  tafte  the  bleiTings  of  remotell  time. 

The  Seraph  fpoke  ;  and  now  before  them  lay 
(The  doors  unbair'd)  a  deep  afcending  way, 
That,  through  difparting  fhades,  arofe  on  high, 
Reach'd  o'er  the  hills  and  lengthen'd  up  the  fky> 
Op^d  a  fair  fummit,  graced  with  rifing  flowers, 
Sweet  odours  breathing  through  celeftial  bowers* 
O'er  proud  Hifpanian  fpires,  it  looks  fublime> 
Subjects  the  Alps  and  levels  all  the  clime. 
!Led  by  the  Power,  the  hero  gain'd  the  height, 
A  touch  from  heaven  fublimed  his  mortal  fight, 
And,  calm  beneath  them,  flow'd  the  weftern  main, 
Far  ftretch'd,  immenfe,  a  fky-encircled  plain ; 
No  fail,  no  ifle,  no  cloud  invefts  the  bound, 
Nor  billowy  furge  difturbs  the  unvaried  round ; 
Till,  deep  in  diftant  heavens,  the  fun's  dim  ray 
Topp'd  unknown  cliffs  and  call'd  them  up  to  day  ; 
Slow  glimmering  into  fight  wide  regions  drew, 
And  rofe  and  brighten'd  on  the  expanding  view; 
Fair  fweep  the  waves,  the  lelTening  ocean  fmiles, 
And  breathes  the  fragrance  of  a  thoufand  illes; 


BOOKl.  it 

Near  and  more  near  the  long-drawn  coafts  irife, 
Bays  ftretch  their  arms  and  mountains  lift  the  fkics, 
The  lakes,  unfolding,  point  the  Breams  their  way, 
The  plains  the  hills  their  lengthening  fkirts  difplay, 
The  vales  draw  forth,   high  walk  the  approaching 
And  all  the  majefty  of  nature  moves.  [groves, 

O'er  the  wild  climes  his  eyes  delighted  rove, 
Where  lands  extend  and  glittering  waters  move  > 
He  faw  through  central  realms,  the  winding  friore 
Spread  the  deep  gulph,  his  fail  had  traced  before. 
The  rocky  ifthmus  meet  the  raging  tide, 
Join  diflant  lands  and  neighbouring  feas  divide, 
On  either  fide  the  fhores  unbounded  bend, 
Pufh  wide  their  waves  and  to  the  poles  afcend  * 
While  two  fair  continents  united  rife, 
Broad  as  the  main  and  lengthen'd  with  the  fkies. 

Such  views  around  them  fbread,  when  thus  the  Gui&v, 
Here  bounteous  earth  difplays  her  nobled  pride, 
Ages  unborn  fhall  blefs  the  happy  day, 
When  thy  bold  ftreamers  fteer'd  the  tracklefs  way, 
O'er  thefe  delightful  realms  thy  fons  (hall  tread, 
And  following  millions  trace  the  path  you  led. 
Behold  yon  ifles,  where  firft  the  flag,  unfurl'd, 
Waved  peaceful  triumph  o'er  the  newfound  world, 
Where,  aw'd  to  filence,  favage  bands  gave  place, 
And  hail'd  with  joy  the  fun-defcended  race. 

Sec  there  the  banks  that  pureft  waters  lave, 
Swift  Oronoque  rolls  back  the  ocean's  wave, 


32  B     O     O    K       1. 

The  well  known  current  cleaves  the  lofty  coaft* 
Where  Paria's  walks  thy  former  footfteps  boaft. 
Thefe  fcanty  fhores  no  more  thy  joys  fhall  bound; 
See  nobler  profpecls  lead  their  fwelling  round, 
Nature's  fublimeft  fcenes  before  thee  roll, 
And  years  and  empires  open  on  thy  foul. 
High  to  yon  feats  exalt  thy  roving  view, 
Where  Quito's  lofty  plains  o'erlook  Peru, 
On  whole  broad  bale,  like  clouds  together  driven, 
A  world  exalted  props  the  fkirts  of  heaven. 
From  fouth  to  north  what  long,  blue  fronts  arife ! 
Ridge  over  ridge,  and  loft  in  ambient  fides  ! 
Approaching  near,  they  heave  expanding  bounds, 
The  yielding  concave  bends  fublimer  rounds, 
Earth's  loftiefl  towers  there  lift  the  daring  height, 
And  all  the  Andes  fill  the  bounded  fight. 

Round  the  low  bafe  what  Hoping  breaches  bend  ! 
Hills  form  on  hills  and  trees  o'er  trees  extend, 
Afcending,  whitening,  how  the  craggs  are  loft  ! 
O'erwhelm'd  with  Summits  of  eternal  froft  ; 
Broad  fields  of  ice  give  back  the  morning  ray, 
Like  walls  of  funs  or  heaven's  perennial  day. 
.   There  folding  ftorms  on  eaftern  pinions  ride, 
Veil  the  black  heavens  and  wrap  the  mountain's  fide, 
The  thunders  rake  the  craggs,  the  rains  defcend, 
And  the  long  lightnings  o'er  the  vallies  bend, 
While  blafts  unburden'd  fweep  the  cliffs  of  fnow, 
The  whirlwinds  whedaboye;t;he  floods  convolve  below. 


B    O     O     K        I.  33 

There  molten  rocks,  explofive  rend  their  tomb, 
And  dread  volcanoes  ope  the  nations'  doom, 
Wild  o'er  the  regions  pour  the  floods  of  fire, 
The  fhores  heave  backward  and  the  feas  retire. 
There  (lumbering  vengeance  waits  the  Almighty  call, 
Long  ages  hence  to  fhake  fome  guilty  wall ; 
Thy  pride,  O  Lima,  fwells  the  fulph'rous  wave, 
And  fanes  and  priefts  and  idols  croud  thy  grave. 

But  ceafe,  my  fon,  thefe  dread  events  to  trace, 
Nor  learn  the  woes  that  wait  thy  kindred  race. 
Beyond  thofe  glimmering  hills,  in  lands  unknown, 
O'er  the  wide  gulph,  beyond  the  flaming  zone, 
Thro'  milder  climes,  fee  gentler  mountains  rife, 
Where  yon  dim  regions  bound  the  northern  fkies. 
Back  from  the  fhore  afcending  champaigns  run, 
And  lift  their  heights  to  hail  theeaftern  fun, 
Through  all  the  midland  realm,  to  yon  blue  pole, 
The  green  hills  lengthen  and  the  rivers  roll. 

So  lpoke  the  bled  Immortal  j  when,  more  near, 
The  northern  climes  in  various  pomp  appear ; 
Lands  yet  unknown,  and  dreams  without  a  name 
Rife  into  vifion  and  demand  their  fame. 
As  when  fome  faint,  in  heaven's  fubiime  abode, 
Extends  his  views  o'er  all  the  works  of  God  -9 
While  earth's  fair  circuit  in  his  prefence  rolls, 
Here  glows  the  centre  and  there  point  the  poles ; 
O'er  land  and  fea  his  eyes  fublimely  rove, 
And  joys  of  mortals  kindle  heaven  with  love  5 

E 


34 


BOOK        I 


With  equal  glance  the  great  Obferver's  fight 
Ranged  the  low  vale  or  climb'd  the  cloudly  height^ 
As,  led  by  heaven's  own  light,  his  raptured  mind, 
Explored  the  realms  that  here  await  mankind. 

Now  the  (till  morn  had  tinged  the  mountain's  brow 
And  rifing  radiance  warm'd  the  plains  below  -, 
Streteh'd  o'er  Virginian  hills,  in  long  array, 
The  beauteous  Alleganies  met  the  day. 
From  fultry  Mobile's  rich  Floridian  more, 
To  where  Ontario  bids  hoarfe  Laurence  roar, 
O'er  the  clear  mountain-tops  and  winding  ftreams,' 
Role  a  pure  azure,  ftreak'd  with  orient  beams  ; 
Fair  fpread  the  fcene,  the  hero  gazed  fublime, 
And  thus  in  profpect  hail'd  the  happy  clime. 

BleU  ihores  of  fame,  conceal'd  in  earlier  days 
To  lure  my  fleps  to  trace  the  untempted  feas  ! 
And  bled  the  race  my  guardian  Saint  fhall  lead, 
Where  thefe  tall  forefts  wave  the  beckoning  head. 
Thro'  each  wide  ridge  what  various  treafures  fhine ! 
Sleep  there  ye  diamonds,  and  ye  ores  refine, 
Exalt  your  heads  ye  oaks,  ye  pines  afcend, 
Till  future  navies  bid  your  branches  bend, 
Then  fpread  the  canvafs  o'er  the  fubject  fea, 
Explore  new  worlds  and  teach  the  old  your  fway. 

He  faid,  and  northward  call  his  wondering  eyes, 
Where  other  cliffs,  in  other  climes,  arife, 
Where  bleak  Acadia  fpreads  the  dangerous  coaft, 
And  ifles  and  fhoals  their  latent  horrors  boaft,. 


BOOK        I.  35 

High  in  the  diflant  heaven,  the  hoary  height 
Heaves  the  glad  failor  an  eternal  light. 
Nor  could  thofe  hills,  unnoticed,  raife  their  head, 
That  look  fublime  o'er  Hudfon's  winding  bed  -} 
Tho'  no  bold  fiction  rear  them  to  the  fkies, 
And  neighbouring  fummits  far  fupcrior  rife, 
Yet  the  blue  Kaatikill,  where  the  florms  divide, 
Would  lift  the  heavens  from  Atlas'  labouring  pride. 

Awhile  the  ridgv  heights  his  notice  claim, 
And  hills  unnumber'd  role  without  a  name, 
Which  placed,  in  pomp,  en  any  eaftern  more, 
Taurus  would  (brink,  the  Alps  be  fling  no  more  ; 
For  here  great  nature,  more  exalted  fhow'd 
The  laft  afcending  footfleps  of  her  God. 

He  faw  thofe  mountains  ope  their  watery  flore, 
Floods  leave  their  caves  and  feek  the  diflant  iliore, 
Down  the  long  hills  and  through  the  fubjccl  plain, 
Roll  the  delightful  currents  to  the  main  j        [flrand, 
Whofe  numerous   channels   cleave  the  lengthening 
And  heave  their  banks  where  future  towns  muft  (land  ; 
He  flretch'd  his  eager  glance  from  pole  to  pole, 
Traced  all  their  fources  and  explored  the  whole. 

Firfl,  from  the  dreadful  Andes'  opening  fide, 
He  faw  Maranon  lead  his  foverei^n  tide. 

o 

A  thoufand  hills  for  him  diflblve  their  fnovv, 
A  thoufand  flreams  obedient  bend  below, 
From  diflant  lands  their  devious  courfes  wind, 
Sweep  beds  of  ore  and  leave  their  gold  behind, 


36  BOOK        I. 

In  headlong  cataracts  indignant  heave,  [wave. 

Rufh   to  his  opening  banks   and  fwell  the  fweeping 

Ucayla,  chief  of  all  his  mighty  fons, 
From  Cufco's  bounds  a  lengthening  circuit  runs ; 
Yutay  moves  gently  in  a  fhorter  -courfe, 
And  rapid  Yatva  pours  a  gathering  force ; 
Far  in  a  wild,  by  namelefs  tributes  fed, 
The  filent  Chavar  wears  a  lonely  bed; 
Aloft,  where  northern  Quito  fits  on  high, 
The  roaring  N3po  quits  his  mifty  fky, 
Down  the  long  iteeps,  in  whitening  torrents  driven, 
Like  Nile  defcending  from  his  fabled  heaven. 
While  other  waves  and  lakes  unknown  to  fame, 
Drfcharge  their  urns  and  fill  the  fwelling  ftream, 
That,  far,  from  clime  to  clime,  majeflic  goes, 
Enlarging  widening  deepening  as  it  flows  -, 
Approaching  ocean  hears  the  diftant  roar, 
Moves  up  the  bed,  nor  finds  the  expected  Ihore ; 
His  frefhening  waves,  with  high  and  hoary  tide, 
Whelm  back  the  flood,  and  ifles  and  champaigns  hide, 
Till  mingling  waters  lead  the  downward  fweep, 
And  waves  and  trees  and  banks  roll  whirling  to  the 

Now,  where  the  fun  in  milder  glory  beams,   [deep. 
Brazilia's  hills  pour  down  their  fpreading  ftreams, 
The  fmiling  lakes  their  opening  fides  di/piay, 
And  winding  vales  prolong  the  devious  way  -, 
He  faw  Xaraya's  diamond  banks  unfold, 
And  Paraguay's  deep  channel  paved  with  geld., 


B    O    O    K        I.  37 

Saw  proud  Potofi  lift  his  glittering  head, 
Whence  the  clear  Plata  wears  his  tinctur'd  bed ; 
Rich  with  the  fpoils  of  many  a  diftant  mine, 
In  one  broad  filver  fea  their  floods  combine} 
Wide  o'er  the  realms  its  annual  bounties  fpread, 
By  namelefs  dreams  from  various  mountains  fed  -t 
The  thirfty  regions  wait  its  glad  return, 
And  drink  their  future  harvefts  from  its  urn. 

Round  the  cold  climes,  beneath  the  fouthern  fky, 
Thy  path,  Magellan,  caught  the  hero's  eye  ; 
The  long  cleft  ridges  oped  the  widening  way, 
Fair  gleaming  weftward  to  the  Placid  Sea. 
Soon  as  the  diftant  wave  was  ken  to  roll, 
His  ancient  wifhes*  fill'd  his  rifing  foul, 
Warm  from  his  heaving  heart  an  anxious  figh 
Breathed  o'er  his  lips ;  he  turn'd  his  moiflen'd  eye, 
And  thus  befought  the  Angel.     Speak,  my  guide, 
Where  leads  the  pafs  ?  and  whence  yon  purple  tide  ? 
Deep  in  the  blue  horizon,  widely  fpread, 
What  liquid  realms  in  blending  ether  fade  ! 
How  the  dim  waters  fkirt  the  bounds  of  day  ! 
No  lands  behind  them  rife,  no  dreamers  in  them  play. 
In  thofe  low  Ikies  extends  the  boundlefs  main, 
I  fought  fo  long,  and  fought,  alas,  in  vain. 

*  The  great  objecl:  of  Columbus  in  moft  of  his  voyages  was  to  dif- 
cover  a  weftern  paffage  to  India.  For  this  purpofe  he  navigated  the 
gulph  of  Mexico,  with  great  care,  and  was  much  difappointed  in 
not  finding  a  pafs  into  the  South  Sea.  The  view  he  is  here  fup- 
pofed  to  have  of  that  ocean  would  therefore  naturally  recall  his 
former  defire  of  failing  round  the  world. 


^  B     O     O     K        I. 

Reftore,  celeftial  Power,  my  youthful  morn, 
Call  back  my  years  and  bid  my  fame  return ; 
Grant  me  to  trace,  beyond  that  pathlefs  fea, 
Some  happier  more  from  luft  of  empire  free ; 
In  that  far  world  to  fix  a  peaceful  bower, 
From  envy  fafe,  and  curftOvando's  power. 
Since  joys  of  mortals  claim  thy  guardian  care, 
Oh  blefs  the  nations  and  regard  my  prayer  : 
There  reft  forever  kingdoms  unexplored, 
A  God  creating,  and  no  God  adored. 
Earth's  happieft  realms  (hall  endlefs  darknefs  hide  ? 
And  feas  forever  roll  their  ufelefs  tide  ? 
Grant,  heavenly  guide,  the  welcome  talk  to  dare, 
One  venturous  bark,  and  be  my  life  thy  care. 
The  hero  fpoke  y  the  Seraph  mild  replies, 
While  warm  companion  foften'd  in  his  eyes  •, 
Though  {till  to  virtuous  deeds  thy  mind  afpires, 
And  heavenly  vifions  kindle  new  defires  -, 
Yet  hear  with  reverence  what  attends  thy  ftate, 
Nor  pafs  the  confines  of  eternal  fate. 
Led  by  this  facred  light  thy  foul  {hall  fee, 
That  half  mankind  {hall  owe  their  blifs  to  thee, 
And  joyous  empires  claim  their  future  birth, 
In  thefe  fair  bounds  of  fea-encircled  earth; 
While  unborn  times,  by  thine  example  preft, 
Shall  call  forth  heroes  to  explore  the  reft. 

Beyond  thofe  feas,  the  well-known  climes  arife. 
Where  morning  fplendors  §ild  the  eaftern  fkies, 


B     O     O     K        I.  39 

The  circling  courfe  to  India's  happy  fhores, 
Round  Afric's  coaft,  bold  Gama  now  explores  ; 
Another  pafs  thefe  opening  ftraits  provide, 
Nor  long  fhall  reft  the  daring  fearch  untry'd  j 
This  watery  glade  fhall  open  foon  to  fame, 
Here  a  loft  hero  fix  his  lafting  name, 
From  that  new  main  in  furious  waves  be  toft, 
And  fall  neglected  on  the  barbarous  coaft. 

But  fee  the  chief  from  Albion's  ftrand  arife, 
Speed  in  his  pinions,  fame  before  his  eyes  ; 
Hither,  O  Drake,  difplay  the  haftening  fails, 
Widen  ye  paries,  and  awake  ye  gales, 
Move  thou  before  him,  heaven-revolving  fun, 
Wind  his  long  courfe,  and  teach  him  where  to  run.. 
Earth's  diftant  fhores  in  circling  bands  unite, 
Lands,  learn  your  fame,  and  oceans,  roll  in  light, 
Round  all  the  beauteous  globe  his  flag  be  huiTd, 
A  new  Columbus  to  the  aftoninYd  world. 

He  fpoke  ;  and  filent  tow'rd  the  northern  fky, 
Wide  o'er  the  realms  the  hero  caft  his  eye  ; 
Saw  the  long  floods  pour  forth  their  watery  ftcres3 
And  wind  their  currents  to  the  opening  fhores ; 
While  midland  feas  and  lonely  lakes  difplay 
Their  glittering  glories  to  the  beams*  of  day. 
Thy  capes,  Virginia,  towering  from  the  tide, 
Railed  up  their  arms  and  branch'd  their  borders  wide  j 
Whofe  broad  embrace  in  cireling  extent  lay, 
Round  the  calm  bofomofthy  beauteous  bay. 


40  B     O     O     K        I. 

y 

Where  commerce  fince  has  wing'd  her  channeled  flight 
Each  fpreading  ftream  lay  brightening  to  the  light ; 
York  led  his  wave,  imbank'd  in  mazy  pride, 
And  nobler  James  fell  winding  by  his  fide  -, 
Back  tow'rd  the  diftant  hills,  through  many  a  vale, 
Wild  Rappahanock  feem'd  to  lure  the  fail, 
While,  far  o'er  all,  in  fea-like  azure  fpread, 
The  great  Potowmac  fwept  his  lordly  bed. 

When  thus  he  faw  the  mingling  waters  play, 
And  feas,  in  loft  diforder,  idly  ftray, 
Where  frowning  forefts  ftretch  the  dufky  wing, 
And  deadly  damps  forbid  the  flowers  to  fpring, 
No  feafons  clothe  the  field  with  beauteous  grain, 
No  buoyant  fnip  attempt  the  ufelefs  main, 
With  fond  impatience,  Heavenly  Seer,  he  cry 'd, 
When  mall  my  children  crofs  the  lonely  tide  ? 
Here,  here,  myfons,  the  hand  of  culture  bring, 
Here  teach  the  lawns  to  fmile,  the  groves  to  fmg; 
Ye  facred  floods,  no  longer  vainly  glide, 
Ye  harvefts,  load  them,  and  ye  forefts,  ride, 
Bear  the  deep  burden  from  the  joyous  fwain, 
And  tell  the  world  where  peace  and  plenty  reign. 

Nov/  round  the  coaft,  where  other  floods  invite, 
He  fondly  turn'd ,  they  flll'd  his  eager  fight  : 
Here  Del'ware's  waves  the  yielding  mores  invade, 
And  here  bold  Hudfon  oped  a  glafly  glade  ; 
Thy  parent  ftream,  fair  Hartford,  met  his  eye, 
Far  lefTening  upward  to  the  northern  fky  ; 


BOOK        I:  41 

No  watery  gleams  thro'  happier  valleys  mine, 
Nor  drinks  the  Tea  a  lovlier  wave  than  thine. 
Bright  Charles  and  Myftick  laved  their  bloomy  ifles, 
And  gay  Piicatuway  caught  his  patting  fmiles  ; 
Swift  Kenebeck,  defcending  from  on  high, 
Swept  the  tall  hills  and  lengthen'd  down  the  fky ; 
When  hoarfe  refounding  through  the  gaping  fh'ore$ 
He  heard  cold  Laurence'  dreadful  furges  roar. 
Tho'  foftening  May  had  waked  the  vernal  blade, 
And  happier  climes  her  fragrant  garb  difplay'd, 
Yet  howling  winter,  in  this  bleak  domain, 
Shook  the  wide  wafte  and  held  his  gloomy  reign; 
Still  groans  the  flood,  in  frozen  fetters  bound, 
And  ides  of  ice  his  threatening  front  fiirround, 
Clothed  in  white  majefty,  the  foaming  main 
Leads  up  the  tide  and  tempts  the  wintery  chain, 
Billows  on  billows  life  the  maddening  biine, 
And  feas  and  clouds  in  battling  con flidr.  join, 
The  dafh'd  wave  ftruggling  heaves  in  fwelling  fweep; 
Wide  crafh  the  portals  of  the  frozen  deep, 
Till  forced  aloft,  high-bounding  in  the  air, 
Moves  the  blear  ice  and  fheds  a  hideous  glare, 
The  torn  foundations  on  the  furface  ride, 
And  wrecks  of  winter  load  the  downward  tide. 

When  now  the  ftream  had  oped  its  northern  courfe, 
He  traced  the  current  to  its  milder  fource ; 
There,  far  retired,  the  Angellic  Power  difplays 
Earth's  fweeteft  charms,  her  own  imbofom'd  feas. 

F 


42  B     O     O     K         I. 

Ontario's  banks*  fair  Opening  on  the  north, 
With  fweep  majeftic,  pour'd  his  Laurence  forth ; 
Above,  bold  Erie's  wave  fublimely  ftood, 
Look'd  o'er  the  clifFand  heaved  the  headlong  floods 
Far  circling  in  the  north;  great  Huron  fpread, 
And  Michigan  o'erwhelm'd  a  weftern  bed  j 
While,  ftretch'd  in  circling  majefty  away", 
The  deep  Superior  clofed  the  fetting  day. 

Here  all  the  midland  feas  their  waves  unite, 
And  gleam  in  grandeur  to  the  hero's  fight ; 
Wide  opening  round  them  lands  delightful  fpread, 
Deep  groves  innumerous  caft  a  folemn  fhade  j 
Slow  moved  the  fettling  mift  in  lurid  ftreams, 
And  dufky  radiance  brown'd  the  glimmering  beams  \ 
O'er  all  the  great  Difcoverer  wondering  ftood, 
And  thus  addrefs'd  the  mefTenger  of  good. 

What  lonely  walks,  what  wonderous  wilds  arethefe  \ 
What  branching  vales  run  fmiling  to  their  feas  ? 
The  peaceful  feats,  referved  by  Heaven  to  grace, 
The  virtuous  toils  of  fome  illuftrious  race. 
But  why  thefe  regions  form'd  fo  fair  in  vain  ? 
And  why  fo  diftant  rolls  the  unconfcious  main  ? 
Thefe  defert  fountains  muft  forever  reft, 
Of  man  unfeen,  by  native  beafts  poifeft ; 
For,  fee,  no  fhip  can  point  the  ftreamer  here, 
No  opening  pafs,  no  fpreading  ocean  near; 
Eternal  winter  clothes  the  fhelvy  fhores, 
Where  yon  far  northern  *fon  of  ocean  roars; 
5  St.  Laurence. 


B     O     O     K         I,  43 

Or  fhould  fome  bark  the  daring  entrance  brave, 
And  climes  by  culture  warm  his  leffening  wave, 
Yon  frightful  cataract  exalts  the  brow, 
And  frowns  defiance  to  the  world  below. 

To  whom  the  Seraph.     Here  extended  lies 
The  happieft  realm  that  feels  the  foftering  fkies  j 
Led  by  this  arm  thy  fons  fhail  hither  come, 
And  dreams  obedient  yield  the  heroes  room  • 
Nor  think  no  pafs  can  find  the  diftanr  main, 
Or  heaven's  laft  polifh  touch'd  thefe  climes  in  vain. 
Behold,  from  yon  fair  lake,  the  current  led, 
And  filent  waves  adorn  its  infant  head  ; 
Far  fouth  thro'  happy  regions  fee  it  wind, 
By  gathering  floods  a r.d  nobler  fountains  join'd, 
Yon  opening  gulph  receive  the  beauteous  wa/e, 
And  thy  known  ides  its  freshening  current  lave  ; 
There  lies  the  path  fome  future  fhip  (hall  trace, 
And  waft  to  thefe  wide  vales  thy  kindred  race. 

The  hero  faw  the  blooming  ifles  afcend 
And  round  the  gulph  the  circling  more  extend. 
He  faw  fair  Mifiifippi  wind  his  way, 
Through  all  the  weftern  boundlefs  tracts  of  day  j 
Where  Alleganies  ftrctch  the  morning  (hade, 
From  lone  Ofwago  to  the  gulphy  glade, 
Where  abfent  funsp  their  midnight  circles  ride, 
Pours  the  long  current  of  his  ruining  tide. 
Unnumberd  branches  from  the  channel  ftray, 
Akanfa  here,  and  there  Miflburi  lay, 


44  B     O     O     K         I. 

Rcyge  rolFd  his  wave  along  the  weftern  wild, 
And  broad  Ohio's  northern  beauties  fmiled. 

Retiring  far  round  Hudfon's  frozen  bay, 
Where  leflfening  circles  ihrink  beyond  the  day, 
The  fhivering  flirubs  fcarce  brave  the  difmal  clime, 
Snows  ever-rifing  with  the  years  of  time  ; 
.The  beads  all  whitening  roam  the  lifelefs  plain, 
And  caves  unfrequent  fcoop  the  couch  for  man. , 

Where  Spring's  coy  fteps,  in  cold  Canadia,  ftray, 
And  joylefs  feafons  hold  unequal  fway> 
He  faw  the  pine  its  daring  mantle  rear, 
Break  the  rude  blaft  and  mock  the  inclement  year. 
Secure  the  limits  of  the  angry  ikies, 
And  bid  all  fouthern  vegetation  rife. 
Wild  o'er  the  vaft,  impenetrable  round, 
The  untrod  bowers  of  fhadowy  nature  frown 'd  -y 
The  neighbouring  cedar  waved  its  honours  wide, 
The  fir's  tall  boughs,  the  oak's  refiftlefs  pride, 
The  branching  beach,  the  afpin's  trembling  fhade, 
Veil'd  the  dim  heavens  and  brown'd  the  dufky  glade. 
Here  in  huge  crouds  thofe  fturdy  fons  of  earth, 
In  frofly  regions,  claim  a  nobler  birth  -, 
Where  heavy  trunks  the  flickering  dome  requires, 
And  copious  fuel  feeds  the  wintery  fires. 
W7hi!e  warmer  funs,  that  fouthern  climes  emblaze5 
A  cool  deep  umbrage  o'er  the  woodland  raife ; 
Floridia's  blooming  fhores  around  him  fpread, 
And  Georgian  hills  erec~t  their  fhady  head  5 


B     O     O     K        I.  4J 

Beneath  tall  trees,  in  livelier  verdure  gay, 
Long  level  walks  a  humble  garb  difplay  ; 
The  infant  corn,  unconfcious  of  its  worth, 
Points  the  green  fpire  and  bends  the  foliage  forth ; 
Sweetend  on  flowery  banks,  the  pafiing  air 
Breathes  all  the  untafted  fragrance  of  the  year; 
Unbidden  harvefts  o'er  the  regions  rife, 
And  blooming  life  repays  the  genial  Ikies. 
Where  circling  fhores  around  the  gulph  extend, 
The  bounteous  groves  with  richer  burdens  bend; 
Spontaneous  fruits  the  uplifted  palms  unfold, 
The  beauteous  orange  waves  a  load  of  gold, 
The  untaught  vine,  the  wildly-wanton  cane 
Bloom  on  the  wafte,  and  clothe  the  enarbour'd  plain. 
The  rich  pimento  fcents  the  neighbouring  Ikies, 
And  woolly  clutters  o'er  the  cotton  rife. 
Here,  in  one  view,  the  fame  glad  branches  bring 
The  fruits  of  autumn  and  the  flowers  of  fpring; 
No  wintery  blafts  the  unchanging  year  deform, 
Nor  beads  unihelter'd  fear  the  pinching  dorm  ; 
But  vernal  breezes  o'er  the  bloiToms  rove, 
And  breathe  the  ripen 'd  juices  thro'  the  grove. 
Beneath  the  cryflal  wave's  inconftant  light, 
Pearls  undiftinguiiVd  fparkle  on  the  fight; 
From  opening  earth,  in  living  luftre,  fhine 
The  various  treafures  of  the  blazing  mine  ; 
Hills,  cleft  before  him,  all  their  (lores  unfold, 
The  quick  mercurius  and  the  burning  gold; 


46  B    O    O    K        I. 

Gems  of  unnumber'd  hues,  in  bright  array, 
Illume  the  changing  rocks  and  fried  the  beams  of  day, 

When  now  the  Chief  had  travel'd  with  his  eye, 
O'er  each  fair  clime  that  meets  the  incumbent  iky  5 
The  ftream,  the  mountain,  foreft,  vale  and  plain, 
And  ifle  and  coaft,  and  wide  untravers'd  main  ; 
He  caft,  o'er  all,  the  immeafurable  glance, 
And  all  pad  views  in  one  broad  vifion  dance. 
Skirting  the  weftern  heavens  and  each  far  pole, 
With  blending  ikies  Pacific  oceans  roll, 
Atlantic  furges  lead  their  fwelling  round, 
And  diflant  (Iraits  the  polar  confines  bound. 
The  weftern  coafts  their  long,  high  fummits  heave, 
And  look  majeftic  o'er  the  fubjecl:  wave; 
While,  on  the  lowly  eaft,  the  winding  ftrand 
Draws  from  the  filent  fea  and  gently  deals  to  land. 


THE 


VISION    of    C  OLUMBUS, 


BOOK    II, 


ARGUMENT. 

Natives  of  America  appear  in  vifion.     'Their  manners 
and  characters,     Columbus  enquires  the  caufe  of  the 
diffimilarity   of  nations.     The  Angel  replies — That 
the  human  body  is  compofed  of  a  due  proportion  of  the 
elements  fuited  to  the  place  of  its  fir  ft  creation— that 
theje  elements,  differently  proportioned,  produce  all  the 
changes  of  health,  ficknefs,  growth  and  decay  ;  and 
will  likewife  produce  any  other  changes  which  Gcca- 
JtGtt  the  diverfity  of  men — that  thefe  elemental  propor- 
tions are  varied,  not  more  by  climate,  than  tempera- 
ture, and  many  other  local  accidents — that  the  mind 
is  likewife  in  a  ft  at  6  of  change,  and  will  take  itsphyf- 
ical  charatler  from  the  body  and  from  external  cb- 
jetls  :  examples.     Enquiry  and  anfzver  concerning  the 
firft  peopling  cf  America.     View  of  Mexico.     Its  de- 
ftruclion  by   Cortez.      View  of  Cufco  and  '  §>uito, 
cities  of  Peru*     Tradition  of  Cap  a  c  and  Oella,  found- 
ers  of  the   Peruvian  empire.      Columbus  enquires 
their  real  hiftory.     The  Angel  gives   an  account  of 
their  origin,  and  relates  the  ftratagems  they  ufed  in 
eftablijhing  that  empire. 


The  VISION  of  COLUMBUS. 
BOOK     II.  ' 

X  jJGH  o'er  the  changing  fcene,  as  thus  he  gazed, 
The  indulgent  Power  his  arm  fublimely  raifed  -y 
When  round  the  realms  fuperior  luftre  flew, 
And  call'd  new  wonders  to  the  hero's  view. 

He  law,  at  once,  as  far  as  eye  could  rove, 
Like  fcattering  herds,  the  fwarthy  people  move, 
In  tribes  innumerable  j  all  the  wafte, 
Beneath  their  fceps,  a  varying  fhadow  cad. 
As  airy  fhapes,  beneath  the  moon's  pale  eye, 
When  broken  clouds  fail  o'er  the  curtain'd  Iky, 
Spread  thro'  the  grove  and  flit  along  the  glade, 
And  cad  their  griQy  phantoms  thro'  the  fliade; 
So  move  the  hordes,  in  thickets  half  conceal'd, 
Or  vagrant  (talking  o'er  the  open  field. 
Here  ever-reftlefs  tribes,  defpifing  home, 
O'er  fhadowy  ftreams  and  tracklefs  deferts  roam ; 
While  others  there,  thro'  downs  and  hamlets  ftray, 
And  rifing  domes  a  happier  ftate  difpiay. 

The  painted  chiefs,  in  death's  grim  terrors  dreft, 
Rife  fierce  to  war,  and  beat  the  favage  bread ; 

G 


50  B    0    O    K        II. 

Dark  round  their  fteps  collecting  warriors  pour, 
And  dire  revenge  begins  the  hideous  roar ; 
While  to  the  realms  around  the  fignal  flies, 
And  tribes  on  tribes,  in  dread  diforder,  rife, 
Track  the  mute  foe  and  fcour  the  diflant  wood, 
Wide  as  a  ftorm,  and  dreadful  as  a  flood ; 
Now  deep  in  groves  the  filent  ambuih  lay, 
Or  wing  the  flight  or  fweep  the  prize  away, 
Unconfcious  babes  and  reverend  fires  devour, 
Drink  the  warm  blood  and  paint  their  cheeks  with  gore. 

While  all  their  mazy  movements  fill  the  view, 
Where'er  they  turn  his  eager  eyes  purfue ; 
He  faw  the  fame  dire  vifage  thro'  the  whole, 
And  mark'd  the  fame  fierce  favagenefs  of  foul : 
In  doubt  he  flood,  with  anxious  thoughts  opprefs'd, 
And  thus  his  wavering  mind  the  Power  addrefs'd. 

Say,  from  what  fource,  O  Voice  of  wifdom,  fprung 
The  countlefs  tribes  of  this  amazing  throng  ? 
Where  human  frames  and  brutal  fouls  combine, 
No  force  can  tame  them  and  no  arts  refine. 
Can  thefe  be  fafhion'd  on  the  focial  plan  ? 
Or  boaft  a  lineage  with  the  race  of  man  ? 
In  yon  fair  ifle,  when  firft  my  wandering  view 
Ranged  the  glad  coaft  and  met  the  favage  crew ; 
A  timorous  herd,  like  harmlefs  roes,  they  ran, 
HaiPd  us  as  Gods  from  whom  their  race  began, 
Supply'd  our  various  wants,  relieved  our  toil, 
And  oped  the  unbounded  treafures  of  their  ifle. 


B    O    O    K        II.  51 

But  when,  their  fears  allay  *d,  in  us  they  trace 
The  well-known  image  of  a  mortal  race  ; 
When  Spanifh  blood  their  wondering  eyes  beheld, 
Returning  rage  their  changing  bofoms  fwell'd  ; 
Their  jaws  the  crimfon  dainty  long'd  to  tafte, 
And  fpread,  with  foreign  flefh,  the  rich  repaft. 
My  homeward  fail,  far  diftant  on  the  main, 
Incautious  left  a  fmall  unguarded  train, 
When,  in  their  horrid  power,  bereft  of  aid, 
That  train  with  thee,  O  loft  Arada,  bled. 
No  faith  no  treaty  calms  their  maddening  flame, 
Rage  all  their  joy,  and  (laughter  all  their  aim ; 
How  the  dread  favage  bands  with  fury  burn'd, 
When  o'er  the  wave  our  growing  hod  return'd  ! 
Now,  mild  with  joy,  a  friendly  fmile  they  fhow'd, 
And  now  their  dark-red  vifage  frown'd  in  blood  ; 
Till,  caird  afar,  from  all  the  circling  more, 
Swift  thro'  the  groves  the  yelling  fquadrons  pour, 
The  wide  wings  ftretching  fweep  the  unbounded  plain, 
That  groans  beneath  the  innumerable  train. 
Our  fcanty  files,  afcending  o'er  the  ftrand, 
Tread  the  bold  champaign  and  the  fight  demand  -, 
With  fleeds  and  hounds  the  dreadful  onfet  moves, 
And  thundering  batteries  rend  the  diftant  groves; 
Swift  fly  the  fcattering  foes,  like  fhades  of  night, 
When  orient  fplendors  urge  their  rapid  flight. 
Our  proffer'd  friendfhip  bade  the  difcord  ceafe, 
Spared  the  grim  hoft  and  gave  the  terms  of  peace. 


52  B     O     O     K        II. 

The  arts  of  civil  life  we  flrove  to  lend, 
Their  lands  to  culture  and  their  joys  extend, 
Sublime  their  views,  fair  virtue's  charms  difplay, 
And  point  their  paffage  to  eternal  day. 

Still  proud  to  rove,  our  offers  they  difdain, 
Infultour  friendfhip  and  our  rites  prophane. 
In  that  bled  ifland,  ftill  the  myriads  reft, 
Bufk  in  the  funfhine,  wander  with  the  beaft, 
Feed  on  the  foe,  or  from  the  victor  fly, 
Rife  into  life,  exhauft  their  rage,  and  die. 

Tell  then,  my  Seer,  from  what  dire  fons  of  earth 
The  brutal  people  drew  their  ancient  birth  ? 
Whether  in  realms,  the  weflern  heavens  that  clofe, 
A  tribe  difiinct  from  other  nations  rofe, 
Born  to  fubjection;  when,  in  happier  time, 
A  nobler  race  fhould  hail  their  fruitful  clime. 
Or,  if  a  common  fourceall  nations  claim, 
Their  lineage,  form,  and  reafoning  powers  the  fame. 
What  fovereign  caufe,  in  fecret  wifdom  laid, 
This  wonderous  change  in  God's  own  work  has  made  ? 
Why  various  powers  of  foul  and  tints  of  face 
In  different  climes  diverfify  the  race  ? 

To  whom  the  Guide  -3  Unnumber'd  caufes  lie 
In  earth  and  fea  and  round  the  varying  fky, 
That  fire  the  foul,  or  damp  the  genial  flame, 
And  work  their  wonders  on  the  human  frame. 
See  beauty,  form  and  colour  change  with  place — - 
Here  charms  of  health  the  blooming  vifage  grate  \ 


B     O     O     K        II.  53 

There  pale  difeafes  float  in  every  wind, 
Deform  the  figure,  and  degrade  the  mind. 

From  earth's  own  elements,  thy  race  at  firft 
Rofe  into  life,  the  children  of  the  duft  ; 
Thefe  kindred  elements,  by  various  ufe, 
Nourifh  the  growth  and  every  change  produce  ; 
Pervade  the  pores,  awake  the  infant  bloom, 
Lead  life  along,  and  ope  the  certain  tomb  ; 
In  each  afcending  flage  the  man  fuftain, 
His  breath,  his  food,  his  phyfic  and  his  bane.       ! 
In  due  proportions,  where  thefe  virtues  lie, 
A  perfect  form  their  equal  aids  fupply  -} 
And,  while  unchanged  the  efficient  caufes  reign, 
Age  following  age  the  unvaried  race  maintain. 
But  where  crude  elements  diflemper'd  rife, 
And  cad  their  fickening  vapours  round  the  Ikies, 
Unlike  that  harmony  of  human  frame, 
Where  God's  firft  works  and  nature's  were  the  fame, 
The  unconfcious  tribes,  attempering  to  the  clime, 
Still  vary  downward  with  the  years  of  time ; 
Till  fix'd,  at  lad,  their  characters  abide, 
And  local  likenefs  feeds  their  local  pride. 
The  foul  too  varying  with  the  changing  clime, 
Feeble  or  fierce,  or  groveling  or  fublime, 
Forms  with  the  body  to  a  kindred  plan, 
And  lives  the  fame,  a  nation  or  a  man. 

Yet  think  not  clime  alone,  or  height  of  poles^ 
On  every  iliore,  the  fprings  of  life  controuls ; 


54  B    O    O     K-      II. 

A  different  caft  the  glowing  zone  demands, 
In  P  aria's  blooms,  from  Tombut's  burning  fands. 
Internal  caufes,  thro'  the  earth  and  fkies, 
Blow  in  the  breeze  or  on  the  mountain  rife, 
Thro'  air  and  ocean,  with  their  changes  run, 
Breathe  from  the  ground  or  circle  with  the  fun. 
Where  thefelong  fhores  their  boundiefs  regions  fpread 
See  the  fame  form  all  different  tribes  pervade  j 
Thro'  all,  alike,  the  fertile  forefls  bloom, 
And  all,  uncultured,  fhed  a  folemn  gloom  $ 
Thro*  ail  great  nature's  bolded  features  rife, 
Sink  into  vales  and  tower  amid  the  ikies  ,* 
Streams,  darkly-winding,  ftretch  a  broader  fway, 
The  groves  and  mountains  bolder  walks  difplay  j 
A  dread  fublimity  informs  the  whole, 
And  wakes  a  dread  fublimity  of  foul. 

Yet  time  and  art  fhail  other  changes  find, 
And  open  ftiil  and  vary  (till  the  mind  ; 
The  countlefs  fwarms  that  tread  thefe  dank  abodes, 
Who  glean  fpontaneous  fruits  and  range  the  woods, 
Fix'd  here  for  ages,  in  their  fwarthy  face, 
Difplay  the  wild  complexion  of  the  place. 
Yet  when  their  tribes  to  happy  nations  rife, 
And  earth  by  culture  warms  the  genial  fides, 
A  fairer  tint  and  more  majeftic  grace 
Shall  flufh  their  features  and  exalt  the  race; 
While  milder  arts,  with  focial  joys  refined, 
Infpire  new  beauties  in  the  growing  mind. 


B    O    O    K        II.  55 

Thy  followers  too,  fair  Europe's  nobleft  pride, 
When  future  gales  mall  wing  them  o'er  the  tide, 
A  ruddier  hue*  and  deeper  fhade  (hall  gain, 
And  ftalk,  in  ftarelier  figures,  o'er  the  plain. 
While  nature's  grandeur  lifts  the  eye  abroad 
O'er  thefe  dread  footHeps  of  the  forming  God  ; 
Wing'd  on  a  wider  glance  the  venturous  foul 
Bids  greater  powers  and  bolder  thoughts  unroll ; 
The  fage,  the  chief,  the  patriot,  unconfined, 
Shield  the  weak  world  and  counfel  for  mankind. 

But  think  not  thou,  in  all  the  race  of  man, 
That  different  pairs,  in  different  climes,  began  ; 
Or  tribes  diftinct,  by  fignal  marks  confeft, 
Were  born  to  ferve  or  fubjugate  the  reft. 

The  hero  heard  ;  But  fay,  celeftial  Guide, 
Who  led  the  wanderers  o'er  the  billowy  tide  ? 
Could  thefe  dark  bands,  unfkill'd  the  paths  to  gain, 
To  build  the  bark,  or  cnnfs  the  extended  main, 
Defcry  the  coaft,  or  tread  the  blefi  abode, 
Unled,  unguided  by  the  hand  of  God  ? 

When  iirit  thy  roving  race,  the  Power  reply 'd, 
Learn'd  by  the  liars  the  devious  fail  to  guide, 
From  flormy  Hellefpent  explored  the  way, 
And  fought  the  bound  Vies  of  the  midland  fea; 
Ere  great  Alcides  form'd  the  impious  plan, 
To  bound  the  fail  and  fix  the  range  of  man, 

*  The  complexion  of  the  inhabitants  of  North  America,  who 
are  defcended  from  the  Engliih  and  Dutch,  is  evidently  darker, 
and  their  ilature  taller,  thaa  thofe  cf  the  Engliih  and  Dutch  ia 
Europe. 


&  BOOK        IL 

Driven  from  thofe  rocky  {traits,  ahaplefs  train 
Roll'd  on  the  waves  that  fvveep  the  wefterri  main  j 
While  eaftcrn  ftorms  the  billowing  ikies  o'erfhade, 
Nor  fun  nor  ftars  afford  their  wonted  aid. 
For  many  a  darkfome  day,  o'erwhelm'd  and  toil, 
Their  fails,  their  oars  in  fwallowing  furges  loft; 
At  length,  the  clouds  withdrawn,  they  fad  defcry 
Their  courfe  directing  from  their  native  Iky  j 
No  hope  remains  ;  while,  o'er  the  flaming  zone, 
The  winds  dill  bear  them  with  the  circling  fun ; 
Till  the  wild  walks  of  this  delightful  coaft 
Receive  to  lonely  feats  the  fuffering  hoft. 
The  fruitful  plains  invite  their  fleps  to  roam, 
Renounce  their  forrows  and  forget  their  home; 
Revolving  years  their  ceafclefs  wanderings  led, 
And  from  their  fons  defcending  nations  fpread. 

Thefe  round  the  fouth  agld  middle  regions  ftrayy 
Where  cultured  fields  their  "growing  arts  difplay ; 
While  northern  tribes  a  later  fource  demand, 
And  fliow  their  wanderers  from  the  Afian  ftrand. 
Far  tow  Yd  the  diilant  pole  thy  view  extend  ; 
See  ides  and  mores  and  feas  Pacific  blend; 
And  that  blue  coaft:,  where  Amur's  currents  glide> 
From  thy  own  world  a  narrow  frith  divide  ; 
There  Tartar  hofls  for  countlefs  years,  have  fail'd, 
And  changing  tribes  the  alternate  regions  hail'd. 

He  look'd  :  the  opening  fnores  beneath  him  fpread, 
And  moving  nations  on  the  margin  tread. 


B     O     O     K        II.  57 

As,  when  autumnal  dorms  awake  their  force, 
The  dorks  foreboding  tempt  their  fouthern  courlej 
From  all  the  fields  collecting  throngs  arife, 
Mount  on  the  wing  and  croud  along  the  fkies; 
Thus,  to  his  eye,  from  far  Siberia's  fhore, 
O'er  ifles  and  feas,  the  gathering  people  pour; 
From  thofe  cold  regions  hail  a  happier  frrand, 
Leap  from  the  wave  and  tread  the  welcome  land  ; 
The  growing  tribes  extend  their  fouthern  fway, 
And  widely  wander  to  a  milder  day. 

But  why  j  the  chief  retum'd,  if  ages  pad 
Have  led  thefe  vagrants  o'er  the  wilder'd  wade— 
If  human  fouls,  for  focial  compact  given, 
Inform  their  nature  with  the  damp  of  heaven,     ■ 
Why  the  dread  glooms  forever  mud  they  rovt  ? 
And  no  mild  joys  their  tempered  padlons  move  ? 
Ages  remote  and  dark  thou  bring  ft  to  light, 
When  the  fird  leaders  dared  the  wtrdern  flight; 
On  other  fhores,  in  every  eadern  clime, 
Since  that  unletrer'd,  diftant  tract  of  time,      [plr.ee, 
V/hat  arts  have  fhone !    what  empires  found  their 
What  golden  fceptres  fwuy'd  the  human  rare! 
What  guilt  and  grandeur  from  their  feats  been  huri'd, 
And  dire  divulfions  fhook  the  changing  world. 
Ere  Rome's  bold  eagle  clave  the  affrighted  air, 
Ere  Sparta  form'd  her  death-like  fons  of  war, 
Ere  proud  Chaldea  law  her  greatnefs  rife, 
Or  Memphian  columns  heaved  againd  the  ikies  • 

H 


58  B     O     O     K        II. 

Thefe  tribes  have  ftray'd  beneath  the  fruitful  zone, 
Their  fouls  unpoliuYd  and  their  name  unknown. 
The  Voice  of  heaven  reply'd  ;  A  fcanty  band, 
In  that  far  age,  approach'd  the  untrodden  land. 
Prolific  wilds,  with  game  and  fruitage  crown'd, 
Supply'd  their  wifhes  from  the  uncultured  ground. 
By  nature  form'd  to  rove,  the  reftlefs  mind, 
Of  freedom  fond,  will  ramble  unconfined, 
Till  all  the  realm  is  fuTd,  and  rival  right 
Reftrains  their  fteps,  and  bids  their  force  unite ; 
When  common  fafety  builds  a  common  caufe, 
Conforms  their  interefts  and  infpires  their  laws  ; 
By  mutual  checks  their  different  manners  blend, 
TJieir  fields  bloom  joyous  and  their  walls  afcend. 
Here,  to  their  growing  hofts,  no  bounds  arofe, 
They  claim'd  no  fafeguard,  as  they  fear'd  no  fees  -, 

Round  all  the  land  their  fcattering  fons  mud  llray, 

Ere  arts  could  rife,  or  power  extend  the  fway. 

And  what  a  world  their  mazv  wanderings  led  ! 

What  ftreams  and  wilds  in  boundlefs  order  fpread  ! 

See  the  fhores  lengthen,  fee  the  waters  roll, 

To  each  far  main  and  each  extended  pole  ! 

Yet  circling  years  the  deftined  courfe  have  run, 

The  realms  are  peopled  and  their  arts  begun. 

Behold,  where  that  mid  region  firikes  the  eyes, 

A  few  fair  cities  glitter  to  the  fkies ; 

There  move,  in  eaftern  pomp,  the  fcenes  of  flate, 

And  temples  heave,  magnificently  great. 


BOOK        II.  59 

The  hero  look'd  ;  when  from  the  varying  height, 
Three  growing  fplendors,  rifing  on  the  fight, 
Flamed  like  a  conftellation  :  high  in  view, 
Afcending  near,  their  opening  glories  drew ; 
In  equal  pomp,  beneath  their  roofs  of  gold, 
Three  fpiry  towns,  in  blazing  pride,  unfold. 
So,  led  by  vifions  of  the  guiding  God, 
The  facred  Seer,  in  Patmos'  wade  who  trod, 
Saw  the  dim  vault  of  heaven  its  folds  unbend, 
And  gates  and  fpires  and  ftreets  and  domes  defcend  -, 
With  golden  fides,  and  funs  and  rainbows  crown'd, 
The  new-form'd  city  lights  the  world  around. 

Fair  on  the  north,  bright  Mexico,  arofe, 
A  mimic  morn  her  fparkling  towers  difclofe, 
An  ample  range  the  opening  ftreets  difplay, 
Give  back  the  fun  and  fhed  internal  day  ; 
The  circling  wall  with  iky-built  turrets  frown'd, 
And  look'd  defiance  to  the  realms  around  ; 
A  glimmering  lake,  without  the  walls,  retires,  [fpires. 
Inverts  the  trembling  towers  and  feems  a  grove  of 

Bright,  o'er  the  midft,  on  columns  lifted  high, 
A  rifing  ftruclure  claims  a  loftier  (ley  ; 
O'er  the  tall  gates  fublimer  arches  bend, 
Courts  larger  lengthen,  bolder  walks  afcend, 
Starr'd  with  fuperior  gems,  the  porches  fhine, 
And  fpeak  the  royal  refidence  within. 

There,  robed  in  ftate,  high  on  a  golden  throne, 
Mid  fuppliant  kings,  dread  Montezuma  fhone : 


6o  B    O     O     K        II. 

Mild  in  his  eye  a  tempered  grandeur  fate, 
Great  feem'd  his  foul,  with  confcious  power  elate  5 
In  afpect  open,  haughty  and  fincere, 
Untamed  b;  crofies  and  unknown  to  fear, 
Of  fraud  incautious,  credulous  and  vain, 
Enclofed  with  favourites  and  of  friends  unfeen. 

Round  the  rich  throne,  with  various  luftre  bright, 
Gems  undiftinguifh'd,  call  a  changing  light  -, 
Sapphires  and  emeralds  deck  the  fplendenc  fcene, 
Sky-tinctures  mingling  v/ith  the  vernal  green  j 
The  ruby's  blufh,  the  amber's  flames  unfold, 
And  diamonds  brighten  from  the  burning  gold  ; 
Through  all  the  dome  the  living  blazes  blend, 
AncTcaft  their  rainbows  where  the  arches  bend. 
Wide  round  the  walls,  with  mimic  action  gay, 
In  order  ranged,  hiftoric  figures  ftray, 
And  fhow,  in  Memphian  ftyle,  with  rival  grace, 
Their  bcafted  chiefs  and  all  their  regal  race. 

Thro'  the  full  gates,  and  round  each  ample  ftreet, 
Unnumber'd  throngs,  in  various  concourfe,  meet, 
Ply  different  toils,  new  walls  and  ftru&ures  rear, 
Or  till  the  fields,  or  train  the  ranks  of  war. 
Thro'  fpreading  realms  the  fkirts  of  empire  bend, 
New  temples  rife  and  other  plains  extend  -, 
Thrice  ten  fair  provinces,  in  culture  gay, 
Blefs  the  fame  monarch  and  enlarge  his  fway. 

Aimile  benignant  kindling  in  his  eyes, 
Oh  happy  clime  !  the  exulting  hero  cries* 


B     O     O    K        II.  61 

Far  in  the  midland,  fafe  from  foreign  foes, 

Thy  joys  fhall  ripen  a?  thy  grandeur  grows, 

To  future  years  thy  rifing  fame  extend, 

And  fires  of  nations  from  thy  fons  defcend. 

May  no  gold-thirfty  race  thy  temples  tread, 

Nor  (lain  thy  ftreams  nor  heap  thy  plains  with  dead ; 

No  Bovadilla  fieze  the  tempting  fpoil, 

Ovando  dark,  or  facrilegious  Boyle, 

In  mimic  priefthood  grave,  or  robed  in  ftate, 

O'erwhelm  thy  glories  in  oblivious  fate. 

Vain  are  thy  fondefl  hopes,  the  Power  reply'd, 
Thefe  rich  abodes  from  ravening  hods  to  hide; 
Teach  harden'd  guilt  and  cruelty  to  fpare 
The  guardlefs  prize,  and  check  the  wade  of  war. 
Think  not  the  vulture,  o'er  the  field  of  flain, 
Where  bafe  and  brave  promifcuous  ftrow  the  plain, 
Where  the  young  hero,  in  the  pride  of  charms, 
Pours  deeper  crimfon  o'er  his  fpotlefs  arms, 
Will  pafs  the  tempting  prey,  and  glut  his  rage 
On  harder  fiefh,  and  carnage  black  with  age ; 
O'er  all  alike  he  darts  his  eager  eye, 
Whets  the  dire  beak  and  hovers  down  the  ficy, 
From  countlefs  corfes  picks  the  dainty  food, 
And  fcreams  and  fattens  in  the  pureft  blood. 
So  the  dire  hofts,  that  trace  thy  daring  way, 
By  gold  allured  to  fail  the  unfathom'd  fea, 
Power  all  their  aim  and  avarice  all  their  joy, 
Seize  brighten:  realms  and  happieft  tribes  deflroy. 


62  BOOK        II. 

Thine  the  dread  talk,  O  Cortez,  here  to  Ihow 
What  unknown  crimes  can  heighten  human  woe, 
On  thefe  fair  fields  the  blood  of  realms  to  pour, 
Tread  fceptres  down  and  print  thy  fleps  in  gore, 
With  gold  and  carnage  fwell  thy  fatelefs  mind, 
And  live  and  die  the  blacked  of  mankind. 

Now  fee,  from  yon  fair  ifle,  his  murdering  band 
Stream  o'er  the  wave  and  mount  the  fated  ftrand  $ 
On  the  wild  fhore  behold  his  fortrefs  rife, 
The  fleet  in  flames  afcends  the  darken'd  fides. 
The  march  begins  -,  the  nations,  from  afar, 
Quake  in  his  fight,  and  wage  the  fruitlefs  war; 
O'er  the  rich  provinces  he  bends  his  way, 
Kings  in  his  chain,  and  kingdoms  for  his  prey ; 
While,  robed  in  peace,  great  Montezuma  (lands, 
And  crowns  and  treafures  fparkle  in  his  hands, 
Proffers  the  empire,  yields  the  fceptred  fway, 
Bids  vafTal'd  millions  tremble  and  obey  ; 
And  plies  the  viclor,  with  inceflant  prayer, 
Thro'  ravaged  realms  the  harmlefs  race  to  fpare. 
But  prayers  and  tears  and  fceptres  plead  in  vain, 
Nor  threats  can  move  him,  nor  a  world  reftrain; 
While  bled  religion's  proftituted  name, 
And  monkifn  fury  guides  the  facred  flame  : 
O'er  fanes  and  altars,  fires  unhallow'd  bend, 
Climb  o'er  the  walls  and  up  the  towers  afcend, 
Pour,  round  the  lowering  fkies,  the  fmoky  flood, 
And  whelm  the  fields,  and  quench  their  rage  in  blood, 


B     O     O     K        II.  63 

The  hero  heard  }  and,  with  a  heaving  figh, 
Dropp'd  the  full  tear  that  darted  in  his  eye, 
Oh  haplefs  day  !  his  trembling  voice  reply'd, 
That  faw  my  wandering  dreamer  mount  the  tide  ! 
Oh  !  had  the  lamp  of  heaven,  to  that  bold  fail, 
Ne'er  mark'd  the  pafiage  nor  awaked  the  gale, 
Taught  eaftern  worlds  thefe  beauteous  climes  to  find, 
Nor  led  thofe  tygers  forth  to  curfe  mankind. 
Then  had  the  tribes,  beneath  thefe  bounteous  ikies, 
Seen  their  walls  widen  and  their  fpires  arife; 
Down  the  long  tracts  of  time  their  glory  fhone, 
Broad  as  the  day  and  lading  as  the  fun  : 
The  growing  realms,  beneath  thy  fhield  that  reft, 
O  haplefs  monarch,  dill  thy  power  had  bled, 
Enjoy'd  the  pleafures  that  furround  thy  throne, 
Survey'd  thy  virtues  and  fublimed  their  own. 
Forgive  me,  prince  ;  this  impious  arm  hath  led 
The  unfeen  dorm  that  blackens  o'er  thy  head  ; 
Taught  the  dark  fons  of  {laughter  where  to  roam, 
To  feize  thv  crown  and  feai  thy  nation's  doom. 
Arm,  fleepirtg  empire,  meet  the  daring  band, 

Drive  back  the  terrors,  five  the  finking  land 

Yet  vain  the  ft  rife  !   behold  the  fweeping  flood  ! 
Forgive  me  nature,  and  forgive  rnc  God. 

Thus,  ft-m  hh  heart,  while fpcaking  forrows  roll, 
The  Powvr,  reproving,  footh'd  his  tender  foul. 
Father  of  this  new  world,  thy  tears  give  o'er, 
Let  virtue  grieve  and  Heaven  be  blamed  no  more. 


64  B     O     O     K        It. 

Enough  for  man,  with  perfevering  mind, 
To  ad  his  part  and  drive  to  blefs  his  kind ; 
Enough  for  thee,  o'er  thy  dark  age  to  rife, 
With  genius  warm'd,  and  favour'd  of  the  ikies. 
For  this  my  guardian  care  thy  youth  infpired, 
To  virtue  raifed  thee,  and  with  glory  fired, 
Bade  in  thy  plan  each  diftant  world  unite, 
And  wing'd  thy  dreamer  for  the  adventurous  flight. 

Nor  think  no  bleiTmgs  ihall  thy  toils  attend, 
Or  thefe  fell  tyrants  can  defeat  their  end. 
Such  impious  deeds,  in  Heaven's  all-ruling  plan, 
Lead  in  difguife  the  nobleft  blifs  of  man. 
Long  have  thy  race,  to  narrow  fhores  confined, 
Trod  the  fame  round  that  cramp'd  the  roving  mind; 
Now,  borne  on  bolder  wings,  with  happier  flight, 
The  world's  broad  bounds  unfolding  to  the  fight, 
The  mind  (hail  foar  ;  the  nations  catch  the  flame,. 
Enlarge  their  counfels  and  extend  their  fame  ; 
While  mutual  ties  the  focial  joys  enhance, 
And  the  laft  ftage  of  civil  rule  advance. 

Tho'  impious  ruffians  fpread  their  crimes  abroad, 
And  o'er  thefe  empires  pour  the  purple  flood  -, 
Tis  thus  religious  rage,  its  own  dire  bane, 
Shall  fall  at  laft,  with  all  its  millions  flain, 
And  buried  gold,  drawn  bounteous  from  the  mine. 
Give  wings  to  commerce  and  the  world  refine. 

Now  to  yon  fouthern  walls  extend  thy  view, 
Ancl  mark  the  rival  feats  of  rich  Peru. 


B     O     O     K        II.  65 

There  Quito's  airy  plains,  exalted  high, 
With  lofder  temples  rife  along  the  Iky  ; 
And  elder  Cufco's  richer  roofs  unfold, 
Flame  on  ll\q  day  and  fhcd  their  funs  of  gold* 

Another  range,  in  thefe  delightful  climes, 
Spreads  a  broad  theatre  for  unborn  crimes. 
Another  Cortez  fiiall  the  treafures  viewj 
The  rage  rekindle  and  the  guilt  renew  ; 
His  treafon,  fraud,  and  every  dire  decree, 
O  curft  Pizarro,  (hall  revive  in  thee. 

There  reigns  a  prince,  whofe  hand  the  fccptre  claims^ 
Thro'  along  lineage  of  imperial  names ; 
Where  the  brave  roll  of  following  Incas  trace 
The  diftant  father  of  their  realm  and  race, 
Immortal  Capac.     He  in  you:hful  pride, 
With  fair  Oella,  his  illuflrious  bride, 
In  virtuous  guile,  proclaimed  their  birth  bfcgtirij 
From  the  pure  fplendors  of  their  God,  the  fun  ; 
With  power  and  dignity  a  throne  to  found, 
Fix  the  mild  fway  and  fpread  their  arts  around  ; 
Crufh  the  dire  Gods  that  human  victims  claim, 
And  point  all  worfhip  to  a  nobler  name  j 
With  cheerful  rites,  the  due  devotions  pay 
To  the  bright  beam,  that  gives  the  changing  day. 

On  this  fair  plan,  the  children  of  the  fides 
Bade,  in  the  wild,  a  growing  empire  rife  ; 
Beneath  their  hand,  and  facred  to  their  fame, 
Role  yon  fair  walls,  that  meet  the  folar  flame. 

I 


66  B     O     O     K        II. 

Succeeding  fovereigns  fpread  their  bounds  afar, 
By  arts  of  peace  and  temper'd  force  of  war  j 
Till  thefe  furrounding  realms  the  fceptre  own, 
And  grateful  millions  hail  the  genial  fun. 

Behold,  in  yon  fair  lake,  a  beauteous  ifle, 
Where  fruits  and  flowers,  in  rich  profufion  fmile  ; 
High  in  the  midft  a  facred  temple  rife, 
Seat  of  the  fun,  and  pillar  of  the  fkies. 
The  roofs  of  burnifh'd  gold,  the  blazing  fpircs 
Light  the  glad  heavens  and  lofe  their  upward  fires ; 
Fix'd  in  iht  flaming  front,  with  living  ray, 
A  diamond  circlet  gives  the  rival  day  j 
In  whofe  bright  face  forever  looks  abroad 
The  radiant  image  of  the  beaming  God. 
Round  the  wide  courts,  and  in  the  folemn  dome, 
A  white-robed  train  of  holy  virgins  bloom; 
Their  pious  hands  the  facred  rites  require, 
To  grace  the  offerings,  and  preferve  the  fire. 

On  this  bled:  ifle,  with  flowery  garlands  crown'd,- 
That  ancient  pair,  in  charms  of  youth,  were  found, 
Whofe  union'd  fouls  the  mighty  plan  defign'd, 
To  blefs  the  nations*  and  reform  mankind. 

*  Vromthe  traditions  of  Capac  and  Oella,  mentioned  by  the 
Spaniih  hiflerians,  they  appear  to  have  been  very  great  and  diftin- 
guifhed  characters.  About  three  centuries  previous  to  the  discov- 
ery of  that  country  by  the  Spaniards,  the*  natives  of  Peru  were  as 
rude  favages  as  any  in  America'.  They  had  no  fixed  habitations, 
no  ideas  of  permanent  property  ;  they  wandered  naked  like  the 
beafts,  and,  like  them,  depended  on  the  events  of  each  day  for  a 
precarious  fubfiftence.  At  this  period,  Manco  Capac  and  his  wife 
Mama  Oella  appeared  on  a  fmall  ifland  in  the  lake  Titiaca  ;  near 
which  the  city  of  Cufco  was  afterwards  erected.     Thefe  perfons,  1a 


B     O     O     K        II.  67 

The  hero  heard,  and  thus  the  Power  befought ; 
What  arts  unknown  the  wonderous  bleflings  wrought  ? 
What  human  fkill,  in  that  benighted  age, 
In  favage  fouls  could  quell  the  barbarous  rage  ? 
With  leagues  of  peace  combine  the  wide  domain  ? 
And  teach  the  virtues  in  their  laws  to  reign  ? 

order  to  eftabliih  a  belief  of  their  divinity,  in  the  minds  of  the  peo- 
ple, were  clothed  in  white  garments  of  cotton  ;  and  declared  them- 
selves defcended  from  the  Sun,  who  was  their  father  and  the  God 
of  that  country.  They  affirmed  that  he  was  offended  at  their  cruel 
and  perpetual  wars,  their  barbarous  modes  of  worfhip,  and  their 
neglecting  to  make  the  belt  ufe  of  the  blcffings  he  was  constantly 
bellowing,  in  fertilizing  the  earth  and  producing  vegetation ;  that 
he  pitied  their  wretched  ftate,  and  had  fent  his  own  children  to  in- 
lirucl  them,  and  to  eilabliih  a  number  of  wife  regulations,  by  which 
they  might  be  rendered  nappy. 

By  fome  extraordinary  method  of  perfuafion,  thefe  perfons  drew 
together  a  number  of  the  favage  tribes,  laid  the  foundations  of  the 
city  of  Cufco,  and  eftablifhed  what  was  called  the  kingdom  of 
the  Sun,  or  the  Peruvian  empire.  In  the  reign  of  Manco  Capac, 
the  dominion  was  extended  about  eight  leagues  from  the  city  ; 
and  at  the  end  of  three  centuries,  it  was  e&ablimed  fifteen  hundred 
miles  on  the  coait  of  the  Pacific  ocean  ;  and  from  that  ocean  to  the 
mountains  of  the  Andes.  During  this  period,  through  a  fuccefficii 
of  twelve  monarchs,  the  original  conftitution,  eitabliihed  by  the  nril 
Inca,  remained  unaltered  ;  and  was  at  laft  overturned  by  an  acci- 
dent, which  no  human  wifdom  could  forefeeor  prevent. 

For  a  more  particular  clifquifition  on  the  character  and  inlritu- 
tions  of  this  great  Legislator,  the  Reader  is  referred  to  a  diflertation 
prefixed  to  the  third  Bock. 

Mama  Oella  is  faid  to  have  invented  many  of  the  domeftic  arts, 
particularly  that  of  making  garments  of  cotton  and  other  vegetable 
fubilances. 

In  the  pafTage  preceding  this  reference,  I  have  alluded  to  moit 
of  the  traditions,  relating  to  the  manner  of  their'introducing  them  - 
feives,  and  eftablifhing  their  dominion.  In  the  remainder  of  the 
fecond,  and  through  the  whole  of  the  third  Book,  I  have  given  what 
may  be  fuppofed  a  probable  narrative  of  their  real  origin  and  con- 
duel:.  I  have  thrown  the  epifode  into  an  epic  form,  and  given  it 
fo  confiderable  a  place  in  the  Poem,  for  the  purpofe  of  exhibiting 
in  aSlion  the  characters,  manners  and  fentirrients  of  the  different 
tribes  of  favages,  that  inhabit  the  mountains  oi  South- America. 


6S  B     O     O     K        II. 

Long  is  their  ftory,  faid  the  Power  divine> 
The  labours  great  and  glorious  the  defign  -, 
And  tho*  to  earthly  minds,  their  a&ions  red, 
By  years  obfeured,  in  flowery  fiction  drcft, 
Yet  my  glad  voice  (hall  wake  their  honoured  name, 
And  give  their  virtues  to  immortal  fame. 

Led  by  his  father's  wars,  in  early  prime, 
Young  Capac  wander rd  from  a  northern  clime ; 
Along  thefe  fhores,  with  livelier  verdure  gay, 
Thro*  fertile  vales,  the  adventurous  armies  ftray. 
He  law  the  tribes  unnumber'd  range  tht  plain, 
And  rival  chiefs,  by  rage  and  (laughter,  reign ; 

In  reviewing  this  part  of  my  fubjeel:,  I  have  to  lament,  that  fo, 
extraordinary  and  meritorious  a  Poem,  as  the  Araucana  of  don 
iUonfo  de  Ercilla>  of  the  iixteenth  century,  has  never  yet  appeared 
in  our  language.  The  account  given  of  that  work  by  VoltairS  ex- 
cited my  curioiity  at  an  early  day  ;  as  I  conceived  the  manners  and 
characters  of  me  mountain  fayages  of  Chile,  as  defenbed  bv  that 
heroic  Spaniard,  mull  have  opened  a  new  field  of  Poetry,  rich  with 
uncommon  ornaments. 

That  elegant  and  concife  fketch  of  it  lately  given  to  the  pub- 
lic by  i;lr.  Ra}  ley,  has  coine  into  my  hands,  iince  I  have  been 
writing  thefe  notes,  and  but  a  few  days  previous  to  the  Poem's  being 
put  to  the  prefs.  ,  Yet  it  gives  me  reafon  to  hope,  with  every 
friend  of  literature,  that  the  whole  of  that  great  work  will  ere  long 
efented  to  the  EngliHi  Reader  by  the  lame  hand. 

It  is  ufually  preiumed,  that  ev^ry  Author  mull  have  read  all  that 
have  gone  leiore  him,  at  leaf!:  on  iubjects  finiilar  to  what  he  at- 
tempts ;  yet  the  Luiiad  cf  Camocns,  a  Poem  of  great  merit  on  the 
expedition  of  Gaina,  I  had  fought  for  in  vain  in  different  parts  of 
America,  and  even  lent  to  Europe  without  being  able  to  obtain  it ; 
till,  a  few  days  finpe,  it  came  to  hand  in  the  majeftic  and  fpirited 
translation  of  Mr.  Mickle.  The  extenfive  and  fublime  objects 
opened  to  our  view  in  a  work  which  celebrates  the  difcovery  of  one 
part  of  the  globe,  may  well  be  thought  worthy  the  contemplation  of 
a  writer,  who  endeavours  to  trace  the  confequences  or  a  firr.ilar 
event  in  another.  Of  this  I  was  before  fenfible  ;  but  thefe  are  not 
the  only  diiadvantages  that  an  Author,  in  a  new  country,  and  in 
moderate  cireumltances,  muft  have  to  encounter. 


B     O     O     K        II.  69 

He  law  the  fires  their  dreadful  Gcds  adore, 
Their  altars  flaming  with  their  children's  gore  ; 
Yet  mark'd  their  reverence  for  the  Sun,  whofe  beam 
Proclaims  his  bounties  and  his  power  fupreme  -, 
Who  fails  in  happier  ikies,  diffufmg  good, 
Demands  no  victim  and  receives  no  blood. 

In  peace  returning  with  his  conquering  fire, 
Fair  glory's  charms  his  youthful  foul  infpire  s 
With  virtue  warm'd,  henVd  the  generous  plan, 
To  build  his  greatnefs  on  the  blifs  of  man. 

By  nature  formed  to  daring  deeds  of  fame, 
Tall,  bold  and  beauteous  rofe  his  ftately  frame; 
Strong  moved  his  limbs,  a  mild  majeftic  grace 
Beam'd  from  his  eyes  and  opcn'd  in  his  face  j 
D'er  the  dark  world  his  mind  fuperior  fhone, 
And,  foaring,  feem'd  the  femblance  of  the  fun. 
Now  fame's  prophetic  vifions  lift  his  eyes, 
And  future  empires  from  his  labours  rife  j 
Yet  fofcer  fires  his  daring  views  controul, 
Sway  the  warm  wifn  and  fill  the  changing  foul. 
Shall  the  bright  genius,  kindled  from  above, 
Bend  to  the  milder,  gentler  voice  of  love  5 
That  bounds  his  glories,  and  forbids  to  part 
From  that  calm  bower,  that  held  his  glowing  heart? 
Or  mail  the  toils,  imperial  heroes  claim, 
Fire  his  bold  bofom  with  a  patriot  flame;  ? 
Bid  fceptres  wait  him  on  the  diilanc  fhore  ? 
And  bled  Oella  meet  his  eyes  no  more  ? 


70  B    O    O    K        II. 

Retiring  penfive,  near  the  wonted  fhade, 
His  unfeen  fteps  approach  the  beauteous  maid. 
Her  raven-locks  roll  on  her  heaving  bread, 
And  wave  luxuriant  round  her  (lender  waift, 
Gay  wreaths  of  flowers  her  lovely  brows  adorn, 
And  her  white  raiment  mocks  the  pride  of  morn. 
Her  bufy  hand  fuftains  a  bending  bough, 
Where  woolly  clufters  fpread  their  robes  offnow, 
From  opening  pods,  unbinds  the  fleecy  ftore, 
And  culls  her  labours  for  the  evening  bower. 
Her  fprightly  foul,  by  deep  invention  led, 
Had  found  the  fkill  to  turn  the  twifting  thread, 
To  fpread  the  woof,  the  fnuttle  to  command, 
Till  various  garments  graced  her  forming  hand. 
Here,  while  her  thoughts  with  her  own  Capac  rove, 
O'er  former  fcenes  of  innocence  and  love, 
Through  many  a  field  his  fancied  dangers  fhare,  . 
And  wait  him  glorious  from  the  diftant  war; 
Bleft  with  the  ardent  with,  her  glowing  mind 
A  fnowy  vefture  for  the  prince  defign'd  ; 
She  feeks  the  pureft  wool,  to  web  the  fleece, 
The  facred  emblem  of  returning  peace. 
Sudden  his  near  approach  her  bread  alarms  ; 
He  flew  enraptured  to  her  yielding  arms, 
And  loft,  diffolving  in  a  'fofter  flame, 
The  diftant  empire  and  the  fire  of  fame. 
At  length,   retiring  o'er  the  homeward  field, 
Their  mutual  minds  to  happy  converfe  yield, 


B     O     O     K        II.  71 

O'er  various  fcenes  of  blifsful  life  they  ran, 
When  thus  the  warrior  to  the  fair  began. 

Joy  of  my  life,  thou  know'flmy  roving  mind, 
With  thefe  grim  tribes,  in  dark  abodes,  confined, 
With  grief  hath  mark'd  what  vengeful  pafiions  fway 
The  bickering  bands,  and  fweep  the  race  away. 
Where  late  my  diflant  fteps  the  war  purfued, 
The  fertile  plains  grew  boundlefs  as  I  view'd ; 
Increafing  nations  trod  the  waving  wild, 
And  joyous  nature  more  delightful  fmiled. 
No  changing  feafons  there  the  flowers  deform, 
No  dread  volcano,  and  no  mountain  ftorm ; 
Rains  ne'er  invade,  nor  livid  lightnings  play, 
Nor  clouds  obfeure  the  radiant  Power  of  day. 
But,  while  the  God,  in  ceafelefs  glory  bright, 
Rolls  o'er  the  day  and  fires  his  (Tars  by  night, 
Unbounded  fulnefs  flows  beneath  his  reign, 
Seas  yield  their  treafures,  fruits  adorn  the  plain  ; 
Warm'd  by  his  beam,  their  mountains  pour  the  flood, 
And  the  cool  breezes  wake  beneath  the  God. 
My  anxious  thoughts  indulge  the  great  defign, 
To  form  thofe  nations  to  a  fway  divine  ; 
Deflroy  the  rights  of  every  dreadful  Power, 
WThofe  crimfon  altars  glow  with  human  gcre ; 
To  laws  and  mildnefs  teach  the  realms  to  yield, 
And  nobler  fruits  to  grace  the  cultured  field. 

But  great,  my  charmer,  is  the  talk  of  fame, 
The  countlefs  tribes  to  temper  and  to  tame. 


li  B     O     O     K        II. 

Full  many  a  fpacious  wild  my  foul  mufl:  fee, 
Spread  dreary  bounds  between  my  joys  and  me; 
And  yon  bright  Godhead  circle  many  a  year; 
Each  lonely  evening  number'd  with  a  tear. 
Long  robes  of  white*  my  fliouiders  mud  embrace, 
To  fpeak  my  lineage  ofetherial  race; 
That  wondering  tribes  may  tremble,  and  obey    ' 
The  radiant  offspring  of  the  Power  of  day.      [creafe, 

And  when  thro'  cultured  fields  their  bowers  en- 
And  dreams  and  plains  furvey  the  works  of  peace, 
When  thefe  glad  hands  the  rod  of  nations  claim,. 
And  happy  millions  blefs  thy  Capac's  name, 
Then  {hall  he  feign  a  journey  to  the  Sun, 
To  bring  the  partner  01  the  peaceful  throne  ; 
So  fhall  defcending  kings  the  line  fuflain, 
And  unborn  anes  bloom  beneath  their  reisn. 

Will  then  my  fair,  in  that  delightful  hour, 
For  fake  thefe  wilds  and  hail  a  happier  bower  ? 
And  now  conferring,  with  approving  fmiles, 
Bid  the  young  warrior  tempt  the  daring  toils  ? 
And,  fweetly  patient,  wait  rhe  Might  of  days, 
That  crown  our  labours  with  immortal  praiie  ? 

Silent  the  fair  one  heard  ;  her  moiflening  eye 
Spoke  the  full  foul,  nor  could  her  voice  reply  ; 

*  As  the  art  of  fpinning  is  faid  to  have  been  invented  by  Oella  ; 
it  is  no  improbable  fidtion,  to  fuppofe  they  nrit  afiumed  thefe  white 
garments  of  cotton,  as  an  emblem  of  the  fun  ;  in  order  to  infpire 
that  reverence  for  their  perfons  which  was  neceflary  to  their  iuccefs  ; 
and  that  fuch  a  drefs  mould  be  cpntiriued  in  the  family,  as  a  badge 
of  royalty. 


B     O    O    K        II.  73 

Till  fofter  accents  footh'd  her  liftening  ear, 
Oompofed  her  tumult  and  allay'd  her  fear. 
Think  not,  enchanting  maid,  my  fteps  would  part, 
While  filent  forrows  heave  that  tender  heart : 
More  dear  to  me  are  blell  Oeila's  joys, 
Than  all  the  lands  that  bound  the  bending  (ki.es  % 
Nor  thou,  bright  Sun,  fhould'ft  bribe  my  foul  to  reft, 
And  leave  one  ftruggle  in  her  lovely  bread. 
Yet  think  in  thofe  vaft  climes,  my  gentle  fair, 
What  haplefs  millions  claim  our  guardian  care; 
How  age  to  age  leads  on  the  dreadful  gloom, 
And  rage  and  (laughter  croud  the  untimely  tomb  > 
No  focial  joys  their  wayward  paffions  prove, 
Nor  peace  nor  pleaiure  treads  the  favage  grove  ; 
Mid  thoufand  heroes  and  a  thoufand  fair, 
No  fond  Oella  meets  her  Capac  there. 
Yet,  taughx  by  thee  each  nobler  joy  to  prize, 
With  fofter  charms  the  virgin  race  fhall  rife, 
Awake  new  virtues,  every  grace  improve, 
And  form  their  minds  for  happinefs  and  love. 

Behold,  where  future  years,  in  pomp,  defcend, 
How  worlds  and  ages  on  thy  voice  depend  ! 
And,  like  the  Sun,  whofe  all-delighting  ray 
O'er  thofe  mild  borders  Iheds  ftreneft  day, 
Diffufe  thy  bounties,  give  my  fteps  to  rove, 
A  few  fhort  months  the  noble  tafk  to  prove, 
And,  fwifc  return'd  from  glorious  toils,  declare 
What  realms  fubmiflive  wait  our  foftering  care. 

K 


74  B    O    O    K        IL 

And  will  my  prince,  my  Capac,  borne  away, 
Thro'  thofe  dark  wilds,  in  quefl  of  empire,  ftray  ? 
Where  tygers  fierce  command  the  howling  wood, 
And  men  like  tygers  thirft  for  human  blood. 
Think'ft  thou  no  dangerous  deed  the  courfe  attends  ? 
Alone,  unaided  by  thy  fire  and  friends  ? 
Even  chains  and  death  may  meet  my  rover  there, 
Nor  his  laft  groan  could  reach  (Delia's  ear. 
But  chains,  nor  death,  nor  groans  mall  Capac  prove. 
Unknown  to  her,  while  fhe  has  power  to  rove. 
Clofe  by  thy  fide  where'er  thy  wanderings  ftray, 
My  equal  fteps  mail  meafure  all  the  way  j 
With  borrow'd  foul  each  dire  event  I'll  dare, 
Thy  toils  to  lefTen  and  thy  dangers  fhare. 

Command,  bled  chief,  fince  virtue  bids  thee  go 
To  rule  the  realms  and  banifh  human  woe, 
Command  thefe  hands  two  fnowy  robes  to  weave, 
The  Sun  to  mimic  and  the  tribes  deceive  ; 
Then  let  us  range,  and  fpread  the  peaceful  fway, 
The  radiant  children  of  the  Power  of  day. 

The  lovely  counfel  pleafed.     The  fmiling  chief 
Approved  her  courage  and  difpel'd  her  grief  j 
Then  to  the  diftant  bower  in  hafle  they  move, 
Begin  their  labours  and  prepare  to  rove. 
Soon  grow  the  robes  beneath  her  forming  care, 
And  the  fond  parents  wed  the  noble  pair ; 
But,  whelm'd  in  grief,  beheld,  the  approaching  dawn: 
Their  joys  all  vaniih'd,  and  their  children  gone. 


BOOK        II. 


75 


Nine  changing  days,  thro'  fouthern  wilds,  they  ftray'd, 
Now  wrapp'd  in  glooms,  now  gleaming  thro*  the 
Till  the  tenth  morning,  with  an  orient  fmile,  [glade, 
Beheld  them  blooming  in  the  happy  ifle. 
The  toil  begins ;  to  every  neighbouring  band, 
They  fpeak  the  meflage  and  their  faith  demand  ; 
With  various  art  fuperior  powers  difplay, 
To  prove  their  lineage  and  confirm  their  fway. 
The  aftonifh'd  tribes  behold  with  glad  furprize, 
The  Gods  defcended  from  the  favouring  ikies ; 
Adore  their  perfons,  robed  in  mining  white, 
Receive  their  laws  and  leave  each  horrid  rite  i 
Build  with  afiifting  toil,  the  golden  throne, 
And  hail  and  blefs  the  fceptre  of  the  Sun. 


A    DISSERTATION 

O*  the  GENIUS  and  INSTITUTIONS  of 

MANCO    CAPAC. 


/ALTHOUGH  the  original  inhabitants  of  A- 
mcrica  in  general  deierve  to  be  clafled  among  the 
mod  unimproved  favages  that  have  ever  been  difco- 
vered  ;  yet  the  Mexican  and  Peruvian  governments 
exhibit  remarkable  inftances  of  order  and  regularity. 
In  the  difference  of  national  character  between  thefe 
two  empires,  we  may  dilcern  the  influence  of  political 
fy  (terns  on  the  human  mind  ;  and  infer  the  import- 
ance of  the  tafk  which  a  legiflator  undertakes,  in  at- 
tempting to  reduce  a  barbarous  people  under  the  con- 
troul  of  government  and  laws.  The  Mexican  con- 
ftitution  was  formed  to  render  its  fubjects  brave  and 
powerful ;  but,  while  it  fucceeded  in  this  object,  it 
tended  to  remove  them  farther  from  the  real  bleffings 
of  fociety,  than  they  were,  while  in  the  rudefl  ftate  of 
nature.  The  hiftory  of  the  world  affords  no  inftance 
of  men  whofe  manners  were  equally  ferocious,  and 
whofe  fuperftition  was  more  bloody  and  unrelenting. 
On  the  contrary,  the  eftablifhments  of  Manco  Capac 
carry  the  marks  of  a  mod  benevolent  and  pacific 
iyftem  ;  they  tended  to  humanize  the  world  and  ren- 
der his  people  happy  ;  while  his  ideas  of  the  Deity 
were  fo  perfect,  as  to  bear  a  companion  with  the  en- 
lightened doctrines  of  Socrates  or  Plato. 

The   moft    diftinguifhed   characters     in    hifiory, 
who  have  been  confidered   as  legiflators  among  bar- 


7$  A    DISSERTATION. 

barous  nations,  are  Mofes,  Lycurgus,  Solon,  Numa, 
Mahomet  and  Peter  of  RufTia.     Of  thefe,    only  the 
two  former  and  the  two  latter  appear  really  to  deferve 
that  character.     Solon  and  Numa   pofTeiTcd  not   the 
means  nor  the  opportunity  of  fhewing  their  talents  in 
the  bufinefs  of  original  legiflation.     Athens  and  Rome 
were  considerably  advanced  in  civilization,  before  thefe 
characters  arofe.     The  moft  they   could    do  was  to 
correct  and  amend  confcitutions  already  formed.     So- 
Ion,  in  particular,  may  be  confidered  as  a  wife   politi- 
cian ;   but  by  no  means  as  the  founder   of  a    nation. 
The  Athenians  were  too  far   advanced   in  fociety   to 
admit    any  radical  alteration  in  their  form  of  govern- 
ment ;  if  indeed  any  form  can  be  faid  to  exift,   where 
every  thing  is    left  to    the  controul  of  a  capricious 
multitude.     The  inftitutions  of  Numa  were  more  ef- 
fective and  durable  -3  his  religious  ceremonies  were, 
for  many  ages,  the  moil  powerful  check  upon  the    li- 
centious and  turbulent  Romans.       By    inculcating    a, 
remarkable  reverence  for  the  Gods,  and  making  it  ne- 
cerTary  to  confult  the  Aufpices,  when  any   thing   im- 
portant was  to  be  tranfacted,  he  rendered  the  popular 
fuperftition  fubfervient    to  the  views  of  policy,   and 
ga^e  the  fen  ate  a  fteady  check  upon  the   extravagance 
of  the  plebeans.     But  the  constitutions  of  Rome    and 
Athens,  however  the  fubject  of  fo  much    injudicious 
appiaufe,  were  never  fixed  upon  any  permanent  prin- 
ciples i  though  the  wifdom  of  fome  of  their  rulers, 
and  the  fpirit  of  liberty  that  infpired  the  people,  juflly 
demand  our  admiration. 

Each  of  the  other  legiflators  above  mentioned  de- 
ferves  a  particular  consideration  ;  as  acting  in  flations 
fomewhat  fimilar  to  that  of  the  Peruvian  lawgiver. 
Three  objects  are  to  be  attended  to,  by  the  legiflator 
of  a  barbarous  people.  Firft,  that  his  fyftem  be  fuch 
as  is  capable  of  reducing  the  greatelt  number  of  men 
under  one  jurifdiction.     Secondly,  that  it  apply  to  fuch 


A    DISSERTATION,  79 

principles  in  human  nature  for  its  fupport,  as  are  tini- 
verfal  and  permanent  5  in  order  to  en iu re  theduration 
of  the  government.  Thirdly,  that  it  admit  of  im- 
provements correfpondent  to  any  advancement  in 
knowledge  or  variation  of  circumftances,  that  may 
happen  to  its  fubjects  ;  without  endangering  the  prin- 
ciple of  government,  by  fuch  innovations.  So  far 
therefore  as  the  fy (terns  of  thofe  legiQators  agree  with 
thefe  fundamental  principles,  they  are  worthy  of  rei- 
pect ;  and  fo  far  as  they  deviate,  they  may  be  consi- 
dered as  defeclive  and  imperfect. 

To  begin  with  Moles  and  Lycurgus ;  it  is  necerTary 
in  the  ririt  place  to  obferve,  that,  in  order  to  judge  of 
the  merit  of  any  inftitutions,  we  mud  take  into  view 
the  peculiar  character  of  the  people  for  whom  they 
were  framed.  For  want  of  this  attention,  many  of  ihe 
laws  of  Mofes  have  been  ridiculed  by  ignorant  fcep- 
tics,  and  many  eftablifnments  of  Lycurgus  cenfured 
by  as  ignorant  politicians.  The  Jews,  who  were  led 
by  Moies  out  of  Egypt,  were  not  only  uncivilized, 
but,  having  juft  rifen  to  independence  from  a  ftai 
fervitude,  they  united  the  manners  of  fervants  and 
favages ;  and  their  national  character  is  a  ccmpofition 
of  fervility  and  contumacy,  ignorance,  fupeiitition, 
filthinefs  and  cruelty.  Of  their  crueltv  as  a  peopl 
need  no  other  proof  than  the  account  of  their  avengers 
of  blood,  and  the  readinefs  with  which  the  whole  con- 
gregation turned  executioners  and  ftoned  to  death  the 
devoted  offenders.  The  Leprofy,  a  diieafe  now  whol- 
ly unknown,  was  undoubtedly  produced  by  their  to- 
tal want  of  cleanlineis,  continued  for  fuccelTive  ger 
tions.  In  this  view  the  frequent  ablutions,  the  pecu- 
liar modes  of  trial,  and  many  other  inftitutions  may  be 
wholly  vindicated  from  ridicule,  and  proved  to  be  not 
only  wife,  but  even  necefTary  regulations. 

The  Spartan  lawgiver  has  been  equally  eenfored 


8d  A    DISSERTATION. 

for  the  toleration  of  theft  and  adultery.  Among  that 
race. of  Barbarians,  thefe  crimes  were  too  general  to 
admit  of  total  prevention  or  univerfal  punifhment.  By 
veiling  all  property  in  the  community,  inftead  of  encou- 
raging theft,  he  removed  the  pofiibility  of  the  crime  ; 
and,  in  a  nation  where  licentioufnefs  was  generally  in- 
dulged, it  was  a  great  ftep  towards  introducing  a  purity 
of  manners,  to  punifh  adultery  in  all  cafes,  wherein  the 
crime  was  not  committed  by  the  free  confent  of  all 
parties  injured  or  interefted. 

Those  conflitutions  of  government  are  beft  calcu- 
lated for  immediate  energy  and  duration,  which  are 
interwoven  with  fome  religious  fyftem.  The  legifla- 
tor,  who  appears  in  the  character  of  an  infpired  perfon, 
renders  his  political  inftitutions  facred,  and  interefts 
the  confcience  as  well  as  the  judgement  in  their  fup~ 
port.  The  Jewifh  lawgiver  had  this  advantage  over 
the  Spartan.  He  appeared  not  in  the  character  ot  a 
mere  earthly  governor,  but  as  an  interpreter  ot  the 
divine  will.  Byinjoininga  religious  obfervance  ot 
certain  rites,  he  formed  his  people  to  habitual  obedi- 
ence ;  by  directing  their  cruelty  againft  the  breakers 
of  the  laws,  he  at  lead  mitigated  the  rancour  of  private 
hatred;  by  forbidding  ufury,  and  directing  that  real 
property  fhould  return  to  the  original  families  in  the 
year  of  Jubilee,  he  prevented  too  great  an  inequality 
of  property  ;  and  by  fele&ing  a  particular  tribe,  to  be 
the  guardians  and  interpreters  of  religion,  he  prevent- 
ed its  myfteries  from  being  the  fubjed  of  profane  and 
vulgar  inveftigation.  To  fecure  the  permanency  of 
his  inftitutions,  he  prohibited  any  intercourse  with 
foreigners,  by  fevere  reitridions ;  and  formed  his  peo- 
ple to  habits 'and  a  character  diiagreeable  to  other  na- 
tions; by  which  means  any  foreign  intercourfe  was 
prevented,  from  the  mutual  hatred  of  both  parties. 

To  thefe  inftitutions  the  laws  of  Lycurgus  bear  a 


A    DISSERTATION.  81 

moftftriking  refemblance.  The  features  of  his  con- 
ftitution  were  fevere  and  forbidding;  it  was  however 
calculated  to  infpire  the  moft ehthufiaftic  love  of  li- 
berty and  martial  honour.  In  no  country  was  the 
patriotic  paiTion  more  energetic  than  in  Sparta  ;  no 
laws  ever  excluded  the  idea  of  feparate  property  in  an 
equal  degree,  or  infpired  a  more  thorough  contempt 
for  the  manners  of  other  nations.  The  utter  prohibi- 
tion of  money,  commerce  and  almoft  every  thing  de- 
ferable to  effeminate  nations,  entirely  excluded  fo- 
reigners from  Sparta  ;  and,  while  it  infpired  the  people 
with  contempt  for  others,  it  rendered  them  agreeable 
to  each  other.  By  thefe  means,  Lycurgus  rendered 
the  nation  powerful  and  warlike;  and  to  infure  the 
duration  of  his  government  he  endeavoured  to  intereft 
theconfeiencesof  his  people,  by  the  aid  of  oracles,  and 
the  oath  he  is  laid  to  have  exacted  from  them,  to  obey 
his  laws  till  his  return  ;  when  he  went  into  a  volun- 
tary and  perpetual  exile. 

From  this  view  of  the  Jewifh  and  Spartan  inftitu- 
tions,  applied  to  the  principles  above  ftated,  they  ap- 
pear, in  the  two  fir  it  articles,  considerably  imperfect, 
and  in  the  lad,  totally  defective.  Neither  of  them 
was  calculated  to  bring  any  confiderable  territory  or 
number  of  men  under  one  jurifdiction  ;  from  this  cir- 
cumftance  alone,  they  could  not  be  rendered  perma- 
nent, as  they  mull  be  constantly  expo  fed  to  their tnore 
powerful  neighbours.  But  the  third  object  of  legis- 
lation, that  of  providing  for  the  future  rrogrefs  of  io~ 
ciety,  which,  as  it  regards  the  happinefs  of  mankind, 
is  the  molt  important  of  the  three,  was  in  both inftan- 
ces  entirely  neglected.  Thefe  fy (terns  appear  to  have 
been  formed  with  an  exprefs  defign  to  prevent  all  fu- 
ture improvement  in  knowledge,  or  enlargement  of 
the  human  mind  ;  and  to  fix  thole  nations  forever  in 
a  (late  of  ignorance,  fuperftition  and  b^rbarilm.      To 

L 


8a  A     DISSERTATION, 

vindicate  the  Spartan  from  an  imputation  of  weaknefs 
or  inattention  in  this  particular,  it  may  be  urged  that 
he  was  iurrounded  by  nations  more  powerful  than  his 
own  ;  it  was  therefore  impoflible  for  him  to  com- 
mence an  eftablifhment  upon  any  other  plan.  And 
Moles  mud  be  vindicated  upon  this  idea,  that  the  di- 
vine moral  law,  which  was  defigned,  at  a  future  peri- 
od, to  regulate  and  harmonize  the  whole  human  race, 
muft  be  preferved  in  that  nation,  which  was  to  give 
birth  to  the  Saviour  of  mankind.  If  we  allow  him  to 
have  had  a  prophetic  knowledge  of  thefe  events, 
his  inftitutions  may  be  pronounced  unexceptionable 
in  every  part. 

The  inftitutions  of  Mahomet,  are  next  to  be   con- 
fidered.      The  ftrft   object   of  legiilation  appears   to 
have  been  better  underftood  by  the  Arabian  Prophet, 
than  by  either  of  the  preceding    fages  5    his  jurifdic- 
tion  was  capable  of  being  enlarged  to   any    extent   of 
territory,  and  governing  any  number  of  nations,  that 
might  be  fubjugated  by  his  powerful  and  enthufiaftic 
armies;   and  to  obtain  this  object  his   fyftem  of  reli- 
gion was  admirably  calculated.     Like  Mofes,  he  con- 
vinced his  people  that  he  acted  as   the  vicegerent  of 
Heaven;   but  with   this  capital   advantage,    adapting 
his  religion  to  the  natural  feelings  and  propenfities  ct 
mankind,  he  multiplied  his  followers,   by  the  allure- 
ments of  pleafure  and  the  promife  of  a    fenfual  para- 
dife.     Thefe  circumftances  werelikewifefure  to    ren- 
der his  conftitution  permanent.    His  religious  fyftem 
was  lb  eafy  to  be  underftood,  fo  fplendid  and  fo  invit- 
ing, there  could  be  no  danger  that  the   people  would 
iofe  fight  of  its  principles,  and  no  neceflity  of  future 
prophets,  to  explain  the  doctrines,  or  reform  the  na- 
tion.    To  thefe  advantages  if  we  add  the   exact    and 
rigid  military  difcipline,  the  fplendor  and  facrednefs 
of  the  monarch,  and  that  total  ignorance  of  the  people, 
which  fuch  a  fyftem  will  produce  and  perpetuate,  the 


A    DISSERTATION.  *$ 

cftablimment  mutt  be  evidently  well  calculated  for 
extent  and  duration.  But  the  1  aft  and  moil  import- 
antend  of  government,  that  of  mental  improvement 
and  foeiaJ  happinefs,  was  deplorably  loft  in  the  infti- 
tution.  And  there  was  probably  more  learning  and 
real  genius  in  Arabia,  in  the  days  of  this  extraordina- 
ry character,  than  can  now  be  found  in  ail  the  Turk- 
ifn  dominions. 

On  the  contrary,  the  enrerprinng  genius  of  the 
Ruffian  monarch  appears  to  have  been  wholly  bent  on 
the  arts  of  civilization,  and  the  improvementoffocie:y 
among  his  fu  ejects.  Happy  in  a  legal  title  to  a 
throne  which  already  commanded  a  prodigious  extent 
of  country,  he  found  that  the  fir  it  object  of  govern- 
ment was  already  fecured  ;  and  by  applying  himfelf 
h  great  fagacity  and  perfeverance,  to  th€  third  ob- 
ject, he  wras  lure  that  the  fecond  would  be  a  neceifary 
and  invariable  coniVqaence.  He  effected  his  purpo- 
fes,  important  as  they  were,  merely  by  the  introduc- 
ofthe  arts,  and  the  encouragement  of  pclieer 
mar.ncrs.  The  greatnefs  of  his  genius  appears  not  fo 
mach  in  his  inihtutions,  which  he  copied  from  other 
nations,  as  in  the  extraordinary  meafures  he  followed 
to  introduce  them,  the  judgement  he  fhowed  in  (elect- 
ing and  adapting  them  to  the  genius  of  his  fubjecls, 
and  his  furprifing  afiaduity  and  fuccefs,  by  which  he 
railed  a  lavage  people  to  a  dignified  rank  among  Eu- 
ropean nations.  All  his  plans  were  for med  to  encou- 
rage the  future  progrefs  of  focicty  ;  and  their  dura- 
tion was  enfured  by  their  obvious  value  and  import- 
ance. His  fucceifors  have  followed  his  political  mea- 
fures, with  great  attention  to  the  fame  objects ;  and 
the  prefent  reigning  emprefs  has  rendered  herfelf  not 
unworthy  of  fo  high  and  honourable  a  defcent. 

To  the  genius  and  operation  of  the  feveral  forms 
o(  government  above  mentioned,   we  will   compare 


54  A     DISSERTATION. 

that  of  the  Peruvian  Lawgiver.  It  is  probable  that 
the  lavages  of  Peru,  before  the  time  of  Capac,  among 
other  objects  of  adoration,  paid  homage  to  the  Sun, 
By  availing  himfeif  of  this  popular  fentiment,  lie  ap- 
peared, like  Moles  and  Mahomet,  in  the  character  of 
a  divine  legiHator,  endowed  with  fupernatural  pow- 
ers. After  imprefiing  thefe  ideas  itrongly  on  the 
minds  of  the  people,  drawing  together  a  number  of 
the  tribes  and  rendering  them  fubiervient  10  his  be- 
nevolent purpofes,  he  applied  himfeif  to  forming  the 
outlines  of  a  plan  of  policy,  capable  of  founding  and 
regulating  an  extenfive  empire  ;  wifely  calculated  for 
perpetual  duration  ;  and  exprefsly  defigned  to  im- 
prove the  knowledge,  peace  and  happinefs  of  a  confi- 
de! able  portion  of  mankind.  In  the  apportionment 
of  the  lands,  and  the  afiignment  of  real  property,  he 
invented  a  mode  fomevvhat  refembling  the  Feudal 
Syfcem  of  Europe  :  yet  this  fyilem  was  wifely  check- 
ed in  its  operation,  by  a  law  fimilar  to  that  of  Moles, 
which  regulated  landed  poUeilions  in  the  year  of  Ju- 
bilee. He  divided  the  lands  into  three  parts;  the 
firfi  was  confccrated  to  the  ufes  of  religion,  the  fe- 
cond  fet  apart  for  the  Inca  and  his  family,  to  enable 
him  to  defray  the  expences  of  government  and  to  ap- 
pear in  the  flyle  of  a  monarch,  the  third,  and  much 
the  largeft  portion,  was  allotted  to  the  people;  and 
this  allotment  was  repeated  every  year,  and  varied  ac- 
cording to  the  number  and  exigencies  of  each  family. 

As  the  Incan  family  appeared  in  the  character  of 
Divinities,  it  was  neceilary  that  a  fubordinaticn  of 
ranks  mould  be  eitabliihcd  ;  in  order  to  render  the 
diftincricn  between  the  monarch  and  his  people  more 
perceptible.  With  this  view  he  created  a  band  ct 
Nobles,  who  were  diftingu  lined  by  perfonal  and  here- 
ditary honours.  Thefe  were  united  to  the  monarch 
by  the  ftrongefr.  ties  of  intcreft;  in  peace  they  acted 
as  Judges;  and  fuperintended  the  police  of  the  empire, 


A    DISSERTATION.  85 

in  war  they  commanded  in  the  armies.  The  next 
order  of*  men  were  the  refpectable  peasantry  of  the 
country,  who  compofed  the  principal  ftrength  of  the 
nation.  Below  theie  was  a  clifs  of  men,  who  were 
the  fervants  of  the  public  -,  who  cultivated  the  public 
lands.  They  poffeilcd  no  property,  and  their  only 
fecurity  depended  on  their  regular  induftry  and  peace- 
able demeanour.  Above  all  thefe  orders,  were  the 
Inca  and  his  family.  He  was  pofielled  of  ab- 
folute  and  uncontroulable  power  ;  his  mandates 
were  regarded  as  the  word  of  Heaven,  and  the 
double  guilt  of  impiety  and  rebellion  attended  on 
difobedience.  To  imprefs  the  utmoft  veneration 
for  the  I'ncan  family,  it  was  a  fundamental  prin- 
ciple, that  the  royal  blood  mould  never  be  contami- 
nated by  any  foreign  alliance.  The  myftcries  of  re- 
ligion were  preierved  fkcred  by  the  high  prieft  of  the 
royal  family,  under  the  controul  of  the  king  ;  and 
celebrated  with  rites,  capaple  of  making  the  deepeft 
impreiTion  on  the  multitude.  The  annual  diftnbu- 
tion  of  the  lands,  while  it  provided  for  the  varying 
circumftances  of  each  family,  ftrengthened  the  bands 
of  fociety,  by  preventing  the  different  orders  from  in- 
terfering with  each  other  ;  the  peafants  could  not  vie 
with  their  fuperiors,  and  the  Nobles  could  not  be 
fubjecled  by  misfortune  to  a  fubordinate  ftation.  A 
conftant  habit  of  induftry  was  inculcated  upon  all 
ranks  by  the  furprizing  force  of  example  and  emula- 
tion. The  cultivation  of  the  foil,  which  in  mod  other 
countries  is  confidered  as  one  of  the  lowed  employ- 
ments, was  here  regarded  as  a  divine  art.  Having 
had  no  idea  of  it  before,  and  being  taught  it  by  the 
children  of  their  God,  the  people  viewed  it  as  a  facred 
privilege,  and  confidered  it  as  an  honour,  to  imitate 
and  affiit  the  Sun  in  opening  the  bofom  of  the  earth 
and  producing  vegetation.  That  the  government 
might  be  able  to  exercife  the  endearing  acts  of  be- 
nevolence, the  produce  of  the  public  lands  was  re- 


86  A    DISSERTATION. 

ferved  in  magazines,  to  fupply  the  wants  of  the  un- 
fortunate, as  adepofit  for  the  people  in  times  of  gen- 
eral fcarcity,  and  as  arefource  in  cafe  of  an  invafion. 

These  are  the  outlines  of  a  government,  the  moft 
fimple  and  energetic  conceivable,  and  capable  of  re- 
ducing the  greater!  number  of  men  under  one  juris- 
diction;  at  the  fame  time,  accommodating  its  principle 
of  action  to  every  flate  of  fociety,  and  every  ft  age  of 
improvement,  by  a  lingular  and  happy  application  to 
the  paflions  of  the  human  mind,  it  encouraged  the  ad- 
vancement of  knowledge,  without  being  endangered 
by  fuccefs.  That  fuch  a  government  has  a  fair 
chance  for  perpetual  duration  is  evident  from  this 
confideration,  that  a  band  of  Nobles  are  ever  the  firm 
Supporters  of  regal  authority  5  unlefs  the  monarch  is 
fo  limited  in  his  power,  that  the  Nobles  defpiie  his  in- 
fluence. This  could  not  be  the  cafe  in  Peru  ;  the 
Nobles  were  juftly  proud  of  their  elevated  ftation, 
though  they  could  have  no  ambition  to  controul'the 
Inca.  They  were  fenfible  that  their  intereft  was  con- 
nected with  that  of  the  monarch  ;  and,  fuppofing  the 
influence  of  religion  to  be  out  of  the  queflion,  they 
would  not  attempt  to  deftroy  an  inditution  on  which 
their  happinefs  depended.  A  check  equally  effective 
was,  by  the  conftitution  of  human  nature,  impofed  on 
the  Inca.  Elevated  above  the  competition  and  rival- 
fhip  which  corrode  and  torment  the  bofoms  of  the 
great,  he  could  have  no  ambition  to  gratify  and  no 
motive  to  induce  him  to  an  improper  exercife  of  arbi- 
trary power. 

In  the  traits  of  character  which  diftinguilh  this 
inftitution,  we  may  difoern  all  the  great  ftrokes  of 
each  of  the  legiflators  above  mentioned.  The  pre- 
tentions of  Capac  to  divine  authority  were  as  artfully 
contrived  and  as  effectual  in  their  confequences,  as 
thofe  of  Mahomet;  his  exploding  the  worfhip  of  evil 


A    DISSERTATION.  87 

beings  and  objects  of  terror,  forbidding  human  facri- 
feces,  inculcating  more  rational  ideas  of  the  Deity, 
and  accommodating  the  rites  of  worfhip  to  a  God  of 
juftice  and  benevolence,  produced  a  greater  change  in 
the  national  character  of  his  people,  than  any  of  the 
laws  of  Mofes  :  Like  Peter,  he  provided  for  the  fu- 
ture improvement  of  ibciety  ;  while  his  actions  were 
never  meafured  upon  the  fmall  and  contracted  fcale, 
which  limited  the  genius  ofLycurgus. 

Thus  far  we  find  the  political  fyftem  of  Capac  at 
lead  equal  to  thole  of  the  mod  celebrated  ancient  or 
modem  lawgivers.  But  in  one  particular  his  charac- 
ter is  placed  beyond  all  comparifon  ;  I  mean  for  his 
religious  inftitutions,  and  the  juft  ideas  he  had  formed, 
by  the  unenlightened  etTorts  of  human  wifdom,  of  the 
nature  and  attributes  of  the  Deity. 

And  here  I  fhall  prcmife,  that  idolatrous  nations 
have  never  been  guilty  of  thofe  glaring  abfurdities 
with  which  they  are  ufually  charged  by  the  chriftian 
world.  The  Pcrfian  or  Peruvian,  when  lie  directed 
his  adoration  to  the  Sun,  confidered  it  as  the  place  of 
refidence  for  the  unknown  Deity,  whom  he  wor- 
shipped, and  who  communicated  from  thence  the 
bleftings  of  light,  warmth  and  vegetation  ;  the  Grc 
who  bowed  at  the  ftatue  of  Jupiter,  fuppoied  it  ani- 
mated with  the  prefence  of  his  God  ;  the  Egyptian 
Apis,  Ifis  and  Orus,  the  calf,  the  leek  and  the  onion, 
though  the  theme  of  univerial  ridicule  to  other  nations, 
were,  in  their  firft  confecration,  like  the  Jewifh  Cheru- 
bim, fymbolical  reprefentations  of  the  nature  and  attri- 
butes of  their  Deities.  No  man  ever  erected  a  (lock 
or  a  ilone  for  a  real  object  of  worfhip  ;  but  all  igno- 
rant nations  have  paid  their  adoration  before  the  fym- 
bolof  the  Deity,  in  fome  fhape  or  other,  and  directed 
their  homage  to  the  place  of  his  fuppoied  refidence. 
Even  among  enlightened  nations,  we  rind  many  traces 


88  A     DISSERTATION, 

of  the  fame  ideas ;  the  Papift  bows  to  the  Picture  and 
the  Crucifix  $  and  the  Methodift  rolls  up  his  eyes  in 
prayer  to  the  Sky.  Perhaps  unaffifted  wifdom  can  rife 
no  higher  ;  and  the  reafon  why  idol  worfhip  was  forbid- 
den  in  the  divine  law,  was  not  becaufe  of  the  erroneous 
ideas  of  the  original  inftitutors,  but  becaufe  the  views 
of  the  vulgar,  in  procefs  of  time,  are  apt  to  flop  fhort 
at  the  intermediate  object,  and  to  lofe  fight  of  the  orig- 
inal invifible  EfTence.  But  the  great  crime  of  idola- 
trous nations  confuted  in  their  afcribing  to  the  Deity 
the  paiTions  and  attributes  of  the  Devil,  and  in  the 
horrid  and  murtherous  rites  of  their  worfhip.  Man- 
kind are  more  inclined  to  confider  the  Deity  as  a  God 
of  vengeance  than  a  God  of  mercy.  Even  among 
christians  mo  ft  perfons  afcribe  afflictions  to  the  hand 
of  Heaven  and  profperity  to  their  own  merit  and 
prudence.  This  principle  operates  in  its  full  effect 
among  favages.  They  ufually  form  no  idea  of  a  gen- 
eral fuperintending  Providence  ;  they  confider  not 
the  Deity  as  the  author  of  their  beings,  the  Creator  of 
the  world  and  the  difpenfer  of  the  hapfnnefs  they  en-« 
ioy  ;  they  difcern  him  not  in  trie  ufuai  courfe  of  nature, 
in  the  funfhine  and  in  the  mower,  the  productions  of 
the  earth  and  the  bleiTing  of  fociety  ;  they  find  a  Dei- 
ty only  in  the  florin,  the  earthquake  and  the  whirl- 
wind ;  or  afcribe  to  him  the  evils  of  peftilenee  and  fa- 
mine -,  they  confider  him  as  interpofing  in  wrath  to 
change  the  courfe  of  nature,  arrd-exercifing  the  attri- 
butes of  rage  and  revenge.  They  adore  him  witli 
rites  fuited  to  thefe  attributes,  with  horror,  with  pe- 
nance and  with  facrifice ;  they  imagine  him  pleafed 
with  the  feverity  of  their  mortifications,  with  the  ob- 
lations of  blood  and  the  cries  of  human  victims ;  and 
hope  to  compound  for  greater  judgements,  by  volun- 
tary Sufferings  and  horrid  facrifices,  fuited  to  the  re- 
liih  of  his  tafte. 

Perhaps  no  finale  criterion  can  be  given,  which 


A   DISSERTATION.  9$ 

will  determine  more  accurately  the  ftate   of  fociety 
in  any  age  or  nation,  than  their  general  ideas  concern- 
ing the  nature  and  attributes    of  the  Deity.     In   the 
moft  enlightened  periods  of  antiquity,  only  a  very  few 
of  their  wife  ft  Philofophers,  a  Socrates,  a  Tully,  or  a 
Confucius*  ever  formed  a  juft  idea  on  the  fubjecl:,  or 
defcribed  the  Deity  as  a  God  of  purity,  juftice  and  be- 
nevolence.    Can  any  thing  then  be  more  aftonifhing 
than  to  view  a  favage  native  of  the  fouthern  wilds  of 
America,  rifing  in  an  age,  void  of  every  trace  of  learn- 
ing or  refinement,  and  acquiring  by  the  mere  efforts  of 
reafon,    a  fubiime  and  rational  idea  of  the  Parent  of 
the  univerfe ! 

He  taught  the  nation  to  connder  him  as  the  God 
of  order  and  regularity  ;  afcribing  to  his  influence  the 
rotation  of  the  ieafons,  the  productions  of  the  earth 
and  the  bleftings  of  health  ;  eipecially  attributing  to 
his  infpiration  the  wifdom  of  their  laws  and  that  hap- 
py conftitution,  which  was  the  delight  and  veneration 
of  the  people. 

These  humane  ideas  of  religion  had  a  fenfible  ope- 
ration upon  the  manners  of  the  nation.  They  neve- 
began  an  offenfive  war  with  their  favage  neighbours ; 
and,  whenever  their  country  was  invaded,  they  made 
war,  not  to  extirpate,  but  to  civilize.  The  conquered 
tribes  and  thole  taken  captive  were  adopted  into  the 
nation  ;  and,  by  blending  with  the  conquerors,  forgot 
their  former  rage  and  ferocity. 

A  system  h  jiift  and  benevolent,  as  might  be  ex- 
pected, was  attended  with  fucceis.  In  about  three 
hundred  years,  the  dominions  of  the  Incas  had  ex- 
tended fifteen  hundred  miles  in  length,  and  had  in- 
troduced peace  and  prof  erity  through  the  whole  re- 

,  M  ' 


90  A   DISSERTATION. 


gion.  The  arts  of  fociety  had  been  carried  to  a  con- 
iiderable  degree  of  improvement,  and  the  authority  of 
the  Iiican  race  univerfally  acknowledged  ;  when  an  e- 
vent  happened,  that  difturbed  the  tranquility  of  the 
empire.  Huana  Capac,  the  twelfth  monarch,  had 
reduced  the  powerful  kingdom  of  Quito,  and  annexed 
it  to  his  empire.  To  conciliate  the  affections  of  his 
new  fubjects,  he  married  a  daughter  of  the  ancient 
king  of  Quito.  Thus,  by  violating  a  fundamental  law 
of  the  Incas,  he  left  at  his  death  a  difputcd  fucceflion 
to  the  throne.  Atabalipa,  the  fon  of  Huana  by  the 
heireis  of  Quito*  being  in  porTclTion  of  the  principal 
force  of  the  Peruvian  armies,  which  was  left  at  that 
place  on  the  death  of  his  father,  gave  batrle  to  his 
brother  Huafcar,  who  was  the  elder  fon  of  Huana  by 
a  lawful  wife,  and  legal  heir  to  the  crown.  After  a 
long  and  destructive  civil  war,  the  former  was  victori- 
ous ;  and  thus  was  that  flou ri ih ing  and  happy  king- 
dom left  a  prey  to  civil  distentions,  and  to  the  few 
foldiers  of  Pizarro,  who  happened  at  that  juncture  to 
make  a  difcent  upon  their  coaft.  Thus  he  effected  an 
eafy  conqueft  and  an  utter  destruction  of  that  unfor- 
tunate people.  It  is  however  extremely  obvious,  that 
this  deplorable  event  is  not  to  be  charged  on  Capac, 
as  the  confequence  of  any  defect  in  his  institution.  It 
is  impoiiible  that  any  original  legislator  fhould  effectu- 
ally guard  againft  the  folly  of  a  futute  fovereign. 
Capac  had  not  only  removed  every  temptation  that 
could  induce  a  wife  prince  to  wifh  for  a  change  in  the 
constitution,  but  had  connected  the  ruin  of  his  author- 
ity  with  the  change  ;  for  he,  who  difregards  any  part 
of  institutions  deemed  facred,  teaches  his  people  to 
conficler  the  whole  as  an  impoSture.  Had  he  made 
a  law  ordaining  that  the  Peruvians  mould  be  abfolved 
from  their  allegiance  to  a  prince,  who  fhould  violate 
the  laws  ;  it  would  evidently  have  implied  pofiible  er- 
ror and  imperfection  in  thofeperlbns  whom  the  people 


A    DISSERTATION.  91 

vere  ordered  to  regard  as  Divinities  :  the  reverence 
3ue  to  characters  who  made  fuch  high  pretentions, 
would  have  been  weakened  ;  and,  inftead  of  rendeiing 
:he  conftitution  perfect,  fuch  a  law  would  have  been 
ts  greateft  defect.  Betides,  it  is  probable  the  rupture 
might  have  been  healed,  and  the  fuccefHon  fettled, 
vith  as  little  difficulty  as  frequently  happens  with 
partial  revolutions  in  other  kingdoms  ■,  had  not  the  de- 
scent of  the  Spaniards  prevented.  And  this  event  to 
1  man  in  that  age  and  country,  was  totally  beyond  the 
Doffibihty  of  human  forefight.  But  viewing  the  con- 
:urrence  of  thefe  fatal  accidents,  which  reduced  this 
lourifhing  empire  to  a  level  with  many  other  ruined 
md  departed  kingdoms,  it  only  proves  that  no  human 
yftem  has  the  privilege  to  be  perfect. 

On  the  whole,  it  is  evident,  that  the  fyftem  of  Ca- 
3ac  is  the  molt  furprizing  exertion  of  human  genius 
:o  be  found  in  the  hiftory  of  mankind.  When  we 
ronfider  him  as  an  individual  emerging  from  the  midfl 
}f  a  barbarous  people,  having  ken  no  pofiible  exam- 
ple of  the  operation  of  laws  in  any  country,  originat- 
ing a  plan  of  religion  and  policy  never  equalled  by  the 
[ages  of  antiquity,  civilizing  an  extenfive  empire,  and 
rendering  religion  and  government  fubfervient  to  .the 
general  happinefs  of  mankind,  there  is  no  danger  that 
ive  grow  too  warm  in  his  praife,  or  pronounce  too 
^ligh  an  eulogium  on  his*  character.  Had  fuch  a  ge- 
lius  appeared  in  Greece  or  Rome,  he  had  been  the 
fubject  of  univarfal  admiration  ;  had  he  arifen  in  the 
favourite  land  of  Turkey,  his  praifes  had  filled  a 
:houfand  pages  in  the  diffutive  writings  of  Voltaire. 


THE 


VISION   of    COLUMBUS. 


BOOK    III. 


ARGUMENT. 

The  aclions  of Capac.  A  general  invafion  threatened 
by  the  mountain fav  ages.  Rocha>  the  Incas  Son,ferit 
to  offer  terms  of  peace.  His  embaffy.  His  adventure 
with  the  worjhippers  of  the  Volcano.  With  thofe  of 
theftorm  on  the  Andes.  Falls  in  with  the fav age  ar- 
mies. Characler  andfpeech  of  Zamor,  their  chief. 
Sacrifice  of  Rocha1  s  companions.  Death-Jong  of  A- , 
zonto.  War -dance.  March  of  the  fav  age  armies 
down  the  mountains  to  Peru.  Incan  army  meets 
them.  Battle  joins.  Peruvians  routed  by  an  e- 
clipfe  of  the  fun.  They  fly  to  Cufco.  Grief  of  0  el- 
lay  fuppqfing  the  darknefs  to  be  occafioned  by  the 
death  of  her  fen  Rocha.  Sun  appears.  Peruvian 
army  affembles,  and  they  dif cover  Rocha  on  an  altar 
in  the  fav  age  camp.  They  march  in  hafte  out  of  the 
city  and  engage  the  favages.  Exploits  of  Capac. 
Death  of  Z amor.  Recovery  of  Rochay  and  JubmiJ- 
fion  of  the  enemy. 


The  VISION  of  COLUMBUS. 
BOOK    III. 

X\  OW,  twice  twelve  years,  the  children  of  the 
Beheld  in  peace  their  growing  empire  rife;       [fkies 
O'er  happy  realms,  difplay'd  their  generous  care, 
Diffufed  their  arts  and  footh'd  the  rage  of  war  ; 
Bade  yon  tall  temple  grace  the  favourite  ifle, 
The  gardens  bloom,  the  cultured  valleys  fmile, 
The  afpiring  hills  their  fpacious  mines  unfold, 
Fair  ftructures  blaze,  and  altars  burn,  in  gold, 
Thofe  broad  foundations  bend  their  arches  high, 
And  heave  imperial  Cufco  to  the  fky  \ 
From  that  fair  ftream  that   mark'd  their  northern 
Where  Apurimac  leads  his  lucid  way,  [fway, 

To  yon  far  glimmering  lake,  the  fouthern  bound, 
The  growing  tribes  their  peaceful  dwellings  found  j 
While  wealth  and  grandeur  blefs'd  the  extended  reign, 
From  the  bold  Andes  to  the  weilern  main. 

When,  fierce  from  eaftern  wilds,  thefavage  bands 
Lead  war  and  (laughter  o'er  the  happy  lands  ; 
Thro'  fertile  fields  the  paths  of  culture  trace, 
And  vow  deftruction  to  the  Incan  race. 
While  various  fortune  ftrow'd  the  embattled  plain, 
And  baffied  thoufands  ftill  the  ftrife  maintain, 


$6  BOOK        III. 

The  unconquer'd  Inca  wakes  the  lingering  war,: 
Drives  back  their  hoft  and  fpeeds  their  flight  afar  j 
Till,  fired  with  rage,  they  range  the  wonted  wood, 
And  feafl  their  fouls  on  future  fcenes  of  blood. 

Where  yon  blue  fummits  hang  their  cliffs  on  high, 
Frown  o'er  the  plains  and  lengthen  round  the  iky ; 
Where  vales  exalted  thro*  the  breaches  run, 
And  drink  the  nearer  fplendors  of  the  fun, 
From  fouth  to  north,  the  tribes  innumerous  wind, 
By  hilis  of  ice  and  mountain  dreams  confined ; 
Roufe  neighbouring  hods,  and  meditate  the  blow; 
To  blend  their  force  and  whelm  the  world  below.- 
Capac,  with  caution,  views  the  dark  defign, 
From  countlefs  wilds  what  hodile  myriads  join  -, 
And  greatly  drives  to  bid  the  difcord  ceafe, 
By  prorTer'd  compacts  of  perpetual  peace. 

His  elded  hope,  young  Rocha,  at  his  call, 

Leaves  the  deep  confines  of  the  temple  wall  y 

In  whofe  fair  form,  in  lucid  garments  dred, 

Began  the  facred  function  of  the  pried. 

In  early  yourh,  ere  yet  the  genial  fun 

Had  twice  fix  changes  o'er  his  childhood  run, 

Tn>?  blooming  prince,  beneath  his  parents'  hand, 

Learn'u  all  the  laws  that  fway'd  the  facred  land  -, 

Witu  rites  myderious*  ferved  the  Power  divine, 

Prepared  the  altar  and  adorn'd  the  fhrine, 

*  The  high  priwft  of  the  Sun  was  always  one  of  the  royal  family  ; 

and    in  every  generation  after  the  nrit,   was  brother  to  the  king. 

Thi's  office  probably  began  with  Rocha,   as  he  was  the  firft  who  was 

capable  of  receiving  it,  and  as  it  was  ncceflary,  m  the  education  of 

the  prince,  that  he  lhculd  bs  initiated  m  the  facred  myftenes. 


BOOK        III.  97 

Refpoiifive  hail'd,  with  ftill  returning  praife, 
Each  circling  feafon  that  the  God  difplays, 
Sooth'd  with  funereal  hymns  the  parting  dead, 
At  nuptial  feafts  the  joyful  chorus  led  ; 
While  evening  iticenfe  and  the  morning  fong 
Rofe  from  his  hand  or  trembled  en  his  tongue. 

Thus,  fbrm'd  for  empire,  ere  he  gain'd  thefwayj 
To  rule  with  reverence  and  with  power  obey, 
Reflect  the  glories  of  the  parent  Sun, 
And  mine  the  Capac  of  his  future  throne, 
Employ 'd  his  ripening  years  ;   till  now,  from  far, 
The  diftant  fields  proclaim  approaching  war  j 
Infpired  for  active  fcenes  he  quits  the  fhrine, 
To  aid  the  council  or  in  arms  to  mine. 

Where  the  mild  monarch  courtly  throngs  enclofe. 
Sublime  in  modeft  majefty  he  rofe, 
With  reverence  bow'd,  confpicuous  o'er  the  red, 
Approach'd  the  throne  and  thus  the  fire  addrefs  d  : 
Great  king  of  nations,  heaven- descended  Faj 
Guard  of  my  youth  and  glory  of  my  a 
Thefe  pontiff  robes,  to  my  bleft  brother's  hand 
Glad  I  refign,  and  wait  thy  kind  comma 
Should  war  invade,  permit  thy  fori  to -wield 
The  (haft  of  vengeance  through  the  uritempted  i 
Led  by  thy  powerful  arm,  my  foul  mall  brave 
The  haughtiefl:  (ocy  or  find  a  glorious  grave  ; 
While  our  bold  ranks  a  nobler  toil  demand, 
In  one  dread  field  overwhelm  the  brutal  band, 

N 


9*  BOOK        1IL 

Pour  to  the  mountain  gods  their  wonted  food, 
And  fhield  thy  realms  from  future  fcenes  of  blood. 
Yet  oh,  may  fovereign  mercy  fifft  ordain 
Propounded  compact  to  the  favage  train. 
Fearlefs  of  foes,  their  own  dark  wilds  I'll  trace, 
To  quell  the  rage  and  give  the  terms  of  peace* 
Teach  the  grim  race  to  bow  beneath  thy  fway, 
And  tafte  the  blefTings  of  the  Power  of  day. 

The  fire  return'd  ;  My  earlieft  wifh  you  know,. 
To  ihitld  from  (laughter  and  preferve  the  foe, 
In  bands  of  mutual  peace  all  tribes  to  bind, 
And  live  the  friend  and  guardian  of  mankind. 
Should  flrife  begin,  thy  youthful  arm  fhall  fhare,; 
The  toils  of  glory  through  the  walks  of  war  ; 
But  o'er  thofe  hideous  hills,,  thro'  climes  of  fhow, 
With  reafon's  voice  to  lure  the  favage  foe, 
To  Tcape  their  fhares,  their  jarring  fouls  combine, 
Claims  hardier  limbs  and  riper  years  than  thine. 
Yet  one  of  heavenly  race  the  talk  requires, 
Whofe  myftic  rites  controul  the  etherial  fires ; 
So  the  footh/d  Godhead  proves  to  faithlefs  eyes, 
His  fway  on  earth  and  empire  of  the  Ikies. 
Some  veteran  chief,  in  thofe  rough  labours  try'd, 
Shall  aid  the  toil,  and  go  thy  faithful  guide ; 
O'er  dreary  heights  thy  finking  limbs  fuftain, 
Teach  the  dark  wiles  of  each  infidious  train, 
Through  all  extremes  of  life  thy  voice  attend. 
In  counfel  lead  thee  or  in  arms  defend* 


BOOK        III.  99 

"While  three  firm  youths,  thy  chofen  friends,  fliall  go, 
To  learn  the  climes  and  meditate  the  foe ; 
That  wars  of  future  years  their  aid  may  find, 
To  ferve  the  realm  and  fave  the  favage  kind. 
Rife  then,  my  for.,  bright  partner  of  my  fame. 
With  early  toils  to  build  thy  facred  name  -, 
In  high  beheft,  thefe  heavenly  tidings  bear, 
To  blefs  mankind  and  ward  the  wafle  of  war. 
To  thofedark  hofts,  where  fhivering  mountains  run, 
Proclaim  the  bounties  of  our  fire  the  Sun. 
On  thefe  fair  plains,  beneath  his  happier  fkies, 
Tell  how  his  fruits  in  boundlefs  plenty  rife  -y 
How  the  bright  Power,  whofe  all  delighting  foul 
Taught  round  the  courts  of  heaven  his  fiars  to  roll, 
To  all  his  earth-born  fons  hath  kindly  given 
His  noblefi  laws  the  favourite  grace  of  heaven  ; 
Bids  every  tribe  the  fame  glad  laws  attend, 
His  realms  to  widen  and  his  fanes  defend, 
Confefs  and  emulate  his  bounteous  fway, 
And  give  his  blefiings  where  he  gives  the  day. 
Yet,  fhould  the  gathering  legions  flill  prepare 
The  maft  of  (laughter  for  the  barbarous  war, 
Tell  them  we  know  to  tread  the  ci  imfon  plain, 
And  heaven's  bright  children  never  yield  to  man. 

But  oh,. my  child,  with  fteps  of  caution  go, 
The  ways  are  hideous  and  enraged  the  foe  ; 
Blood  ftains  their  altars,  all  their  feafts  are  blood, 
Death  their  delight  and  Darknefs  reigns  their  God  -, 


ioo  BOOK        III. 

T vgers  and  vultures,  ftorms  and  earthquakes  fhare 
Their  rices  ofworfhip  and  their  fpoils  of  war. 
Should'ft  thou,  my  Rocha,  tempt  their  vengeful  ire, 
Should  thofe  dear  relics  feed  a  favage  fire, 
Deep  fighs  would  heave  thy  wretched  mother's  breaft, 
The  pale  fun  fink  in  clouds  of  darknefs  dreft, 
Thy  fire  and  haplefs  nations  rue  the  day, 
That  drew  thy  fieps  from  thefe  fad  walls  away. 

Yet  go ;  'tis  virtue  calls ;  and  realms  unknown, 
By  thefe  long  toils,  may  blefs  thy  future  throne  j 
Millions  of  unborn  fouls  in  time  may  fee 
Their  doom  reverfed,  and  owe  their  joys  to  thee; 
While  favage  fires,  with  murdering  hands,  no  more 
Dread  the  grim  Gods  that  claim  their  children's  gore. 
But,  fway'd  by  happier  fceptres,  here  behold 
The  rites  of  freedom  and  the  fhrines  of  gold. 
Be  wife,  be  mindful  of  thy  realm  and  throne ; 
Heaven  fpeed  the  labours,  and  preferve  my  fon. 

Soon  the  glad  prince,  in  robes  of  white  array'd, 

Call'd  h's  attendants,  and  the  fire  obey'd. 

A  diamond  broad,  in  burning  gold  imprefr, 

Fix'd  the  Sun's  im^ge  on  his  royal  bread; 

Fair  in  his  hand  appear'd  the  olive  bough, 

And  the  white  lautu*  graced  his  beauteous  brow. 

Swift  o'er  the  hills  that  lift  the  walks  of  day, 

Thro'  parting  clouds  he  took  his  eaftern  way  ; 

*  The  lautu  was  a  cotton  fringe,  worn  by  the  Incas,  as  a  badge 
of  royalty. 


BOOK        III.  101 

Height  over  height  hegain'd,  beyond  the  bound, 
Where  the  wide  empire  claims  its  utmoft  round  ; 
To  numerous  tribes  proclaimed  the  folar  fway, 
And  held,  through  various  toils,  his  wilder'd  way. 

At  length,  far  diftant,  thro'  the  darkening  fides, 
Where  hills  o'er  hills  in  rude  diforder  rife, 
A  dreadful  groan,  beneath  the  fhuddering  ground, 
Rolls  down  the  fteeps  and  makes  the  world  around. 
Columns  of  reddening  fmoke,  above  the  height, 
O'ercaft  the  heavens  and  cloud  their  wonted  light  j 
From  tottering  tops  defcend  the  cliffs  of  fnow, 
The  mountains  reel,  the  valleys  rend  below, 
The  headlong  dreams  forget  their  ufual  round, 
And  fhrink  and  vanifh  in  the  gaping  ground  ; 
The  fun  defcends — Wide  flames  with  livid  glare 
Break  the  red  cloud  and  purple  all  the  air  ; 
Above  the  gaping  top,  wild  cinders,  driven, 
Scream  high  and  brighten  to  the  midft  of  heaven  ; 
Deep  from  beneath,  full  floods  of  boiling  ore 
Burfl  the  dread  mount,  and  thro'  the  opening  roar; 
Torrents  of  molten  rocks,  on  every  fide, 
Lead  o'er  the  fhelves  of  ice  the  fiery  tide  -3 
Hills  Aide  before  them,  fkies  around  them  burn, 
Towns  fink  beneath,  and  heaving  plains  o'erturn; 
O'er  diftant  realms,  the  flaming  deluge,  hurl'd, 
Sweeps  trembling  nations  from  the  aftonifh'd  world. 

Meanwhile,  at  diftance,  through  the  livid  light, 
A  bufy  concourfe  met  his  wondering  fight ; 


ioi  BOOK        III. 

The  prince  drew  near ;  an  altar  raifed  he  viewed, 
In  form  a  furnace,  fill'd  with  burning  wood  ; 
There  a  fair  youth  in  pangs  expiring  lay, 
And  the  fond  father  thus  was  heard  to  pray. 

*Receive,  O  dreadful  Power,  from  feeble  age, 
This  laft  pure  offering  to  thy  fatelefs  rage, 
Thrice  has  thy  vengeance,  on  this  hated  land, 
Claim'd  a  dear  infant  from  mv  yielding  hand  -, 
Thrice  have  thofe  lovely  lips  the  victim  prefs'd, 
And  all  the  mother  torn  that  tender  bread  ; 
When  the  dread  duty  ftifled  every  figh, 
And  not  a  tear  efcaped  her  beauteous  eye. 
The  fourth,  and  lad",  now  meets  the  fatal  doom, 
(Groan  not,  my  child,  thy  God  commands  thee  home) 
Attend^  once  more,  thou  dark,  infernal  Name, 
From  yon  far-dreaming  pyramid  of  flame  ; 
Snatch,  from  the  heaving  flefh,  the  expiring  breath," 
Sacred  to  thee  and  all  the  Powers  of  death  ; 
Then,  in  thy  hall,  with  fpoils  of  nations  crown'd, 
Confine  thy  walks  beneath  the  rending  ground ; 
No  more  on  earth  the  hnbowel'd  flames  to  pour, 
And  fcourge  my  people  and  my  race  no  more. 

Thus  Rocha  heard ;  and,  tow'rd  the  trembling  croud, 
Turn'd  the  bright  enfign  of  his  beaming  God. 

*  It  is  a  faft,  that  the  different  tribes  of  thofe  mountain  fayages 
worfhipped  the  various  obj e&s  of  terror  that  infefted  the  particular 
parts  of  the  country  where  they  dwelt ;  fuch  as  ftorms,  volcanoes, 
rivers,  lakes  ;  and  feveral  beafts  and  birds  of  prey  ;  and  all  with 
this  idea,  that  their  forefathers  -defcended  from  the  gods  which  they 
worfhipped, 


BOOK        III.  103 

The  afflidted  chief,  with  fear  and  grief  oppreft, 
Beheld  the  fign  and  thus  the  prince  addrefs'd. 
From  what  far  land,  O  royal  ilranger,  fay, 
Afcend  thy  wandering  fteps  this  nightly  way  ? 
Com'flthou  from  plains  like  ours,  with  cinders  fired? 
And  have  thy  people  in  the  flames  expired  ? 
Or  haft  thou  now,  to  flay  the  whelming  flood, 
No  fon  to  offer  to  the  furious  Gcd  ? 

From  happier  lands  I  came,  the  prince  return 'd, 
Where  no  red  vengeance  e'er  the  concave  burn'd  j 
No  furious  God  difturbs  the  peaceful  fkies, 
Nor  yield  our  hands  the  bloody  facrifice. 
But  life  and  joy  the  Power  delights  to  give, 
And  bids  his  children  but  rejoice  and  live. 
Thou  feed  o'er  heaven  the  all-delighting  Sun, 
In  living  radiance,  rear  his  golden  throne  ; 
O'er  plains  and  valleys  fhed  his  genial  beams, 
Call  from  yon  cliffs  of  ice  the  winding  ftreams  ; 
While  fruits  and  flowers  adorn  the  indulgent  field, 
And  feas  and  lakes  their  copious  treafures  )  ield  ; 
He  reigns  our  only  God  ;   in  him  we  trace 
The  friend,  the  father  of  our  happy  race. 
Late  the  lone  tribes,  on  thofe  delightful  friores, 
With  gloomy  reverence  ferved  imagin'd  Powers  ; 
Till  he,  in  pity  to  the  roving  race,  [peace. 

Difpenfed  their  laws,    and  form'd  their  minds  for 
My  heaven-born  parents  firft  the  reign  began, 
Sent  from  his  courts  to  rule  the  race  of -man, 


io4  BOOK         III. 

Unfold  his  arts,  extend  his  bounteous  fway, 
And  give  his  blefiings  where  he  gives  the  day. 

The  wondering  chief  reply'd  -,  thy  form  and  drefs 
Proclaim  thy  lineage  of  fuperior  race  ; 
And  our  far-diftant  fires,  no  lefs  than  thine, 
Sprang  from  a  God,  and  own  a  birth  divine. 
From  that  etherial  mount,  the  fource  of  fiame, 
In  elder  times,  the  great  avengers  came  -, 
Where  the  dread  Power  conceals  his  dark  abode, 
And  claims,  as  now,  the  tribute  of  a  God. 
This  victim  due  when  willing  mortals  pay, 
His  terrors  leiTen  and  his  fires  decay  ; 
While  purer  fleet  regales  the  untainted  air, 
And  our  glad  hofts  are  fired  for  fiercer  war. 

Yet  know,  dread  chief,  the  pious  youth  rejoin'd, 
One  fovereign  Power  produced  all  human  kind  ; 
Some  Sire  fuprerne,  whole  ever-ruling  foul 
Creates,  preierves,  and  regulates  the  whole. 
That  Sire  fupreme  mull  lift  his  radiant  eye 
Round  the  wide  concave  of  the  boundlefs  fky ; 
That  heaven's  high  courts,  and  all  the  walks  of  men 
May  rife  unveil'd  beneath  his  careful  ken. 
Could  thy  dark  Power,  that  holds  his  drear  abode 
Deep  in  the  bofom  of  that  fiery  nood, 
Yield  the  glad  fruits  that  diftant  nations  find  ? 
Or  praife,  or  punifh,  or  behold  mankind  ? 
When  the  bleft  God,  from  glooms  of  changing  night 
Shall  gild  his  chambers  with  the  morning  light, 


BOOK        III.  105 

By  myftic  rites  he'll  vindicate  his  throne, 
And  own  thy  fervant  for  his  duteous  Ton. 

Meantime,  the  chief  reply'd,  thy  cares  releafed, 
Share  the  poor  relics  of  our  fcanty  feaft  -y 
Which,  driven  in  hady  rout,  our  train  fupply'd, 
When  trembling  earth  proclaim'd  the  boiling  tide. 
They  fared,  they  reded  j  till  approaching  morn 
Beheld  the  day-liar  o'er  the  mountain  burn  ; 
The  rifing  prince  an  altar  rear'd  on  high, 
And  watch'd  the  fplendors  of  the  orient  fky. 

When  o'er  the  mountain  flamed  the  fun's  broad  ray, 
He  call'd  the  hod  his  f acred  rites  t'  eflay  ; 
Then  took  the  loaves  of  maize,  the  bounties  brake, 
Gave  to  the  chief  and  bade  them  all  partake  •, 
The  hallowed  relics  on  the  pile  he  placed, 
With  tufts  of  flowers  the  fimple  offering  graced, 
Held  to  the  fun  the  image  from  his  bread, 
Whofe  glowing  concave  all  the  God  expred ; 
O'er  the  dry'd  leaves,  the  trembling  luftre  flies, 
And  thus  his  voice  afcends  the  lidening  fkies. 

O  thou,  whofe  fplendors  kindle  heaven  with  fire, 
Great  foul  of  nature,  and  the  world's  dread  fire, 
If  e'er  my  father  found  thy  fovereign  grace, 
Or  thy  bled  will  ordain'd  the  Incan  race, 
Give  thefe  lone  tribes  to  learn  thine  awful  name, 
Receive  this  offering  and  the  pile  inflame  : 
So  {hall  thy  laws  o'er  thefe  wide  bounds  be  known, 
And  earth's  unnumber'd  fons  be  happy  as  thine  own. 

O 


io6  BOOK        III. 

Thus  pray 'd  the  prince,  the  kindling  flames  afpire, 
The  tribes  furrounding  tremble  and  retire, 
Gaze  on  the  wonder,  full  conviction  own, 
And  vow  obedience  to  the  genial  Sun. 

The  Inca  now  his  farther  courfe  defcry'd., 
A  young  cazique  attending  as  a  guide, 
O'er  eaftern  cliffs  purfued  the  wilder'd  way, 
Where  loftier  champaigns  meet  the  Ihivering  day  ; 
Saw  timorous  tribes  in  thefe  fublime  abodes, 
Adore  the  biafls  and  turn  the  ftorms  to  Gods. 
Each  blackening  cloud,  that  thunders  thro*  the  Ikies,, 
Claims  from  their  hands  a  human  facrifice. 
A  while  the  youth,  their  better  faith  to  gain, 
Strives,  with  his  ufual  art,  but  Arrives  in  vain; 
In  vain  he  pleads  the  mildnefs  of  the  fun, 
In  thofe  cold  bounds  where  chilling  whirlwinds  run  > 
Where  the  dark  tempefts  fweep  the  world  below, 
And  load  the  mountains  with  eternal  fnow. 
The  fun's  bright  beam,  the  fearful  tribes  declare, 
Drives  all  their  evils  on  the  tortured  air ; 
He  draws  the  vapors  up  the  eaftern  fky, 
That  fail  and  centre  tow'rd  his  dazzling  eye  -, 
Leads  the  loud  ftorms  along  his  midday  courfe, 
And  bids  the  Andes  meet  their  fweeping  force  ; 
Builds  their  bleak  fummits,  with  an  icy  throne, 
To  fhine  through  heaven  a  femblance  of  his  own  ; 
Hence  the  dire  chills,  the  lifted  lawns  that  wait, 
And  all  the  fcourges  that  attend  their  ftate* 


BOOK        III.  C07 

Seven  toilfome  days,  the  virtuous  legate  drove, 

To  focial  joys  their  favage  minds  to  move ; 

Then,  while  the  morning  glow'd  ferenely  bright, 

He  led  their  footfteps  to  an  eaftern  height ; 

The  world  unbounded,  ftretch'd  beneath  them,  lay, 

And  not  a  cloud  obfcured  the  rifing  day. 

Broad  Amazonia,  with  her  ftar-like  ftreams, 

In  azure  dreft,  a  heaven  inverted  feems; 

Dim  Paraguay  extends  the  aching  fight ; 

*Xaraya  glimmers,  like  the  moon  of  night ; 

The  earth  and  fkies,  in  blending  borders,  ftray, 

And  fmile  and  brighten  to  the  lamp  of  day. 

When  thus  the  prince  ;  What  majefty  divine  ! 

What  robes  of  gold  !  what  flames  around  him  mine  ! 

There  walks  the  God !  his  (tarry  fons  on  high 

Draw  their  dim  veil,  and  fhrink  behind  the  iky ; 

Earth  with  furrounding  nature  's  born  anew, 

And  tribes  and  empires  greet  the  gladdening  view. 

Who  can  behold  his  all-delighting  foul 

Give  life  and  joy,  and  heaven  and  earth  controul  ? 

Bid  death  and  darknefs  from  his  prefence  move — 

Who  can  behold,  and  not  adore  and  love  ? 

Thofe  plains,  immenfely  circling  feel  his  beams, 

He  greens  the  groves,  he  filvers  o'er  the  ft  reams, 

Swells  the  wild  fruitage,  gives  the  beaft  his  food, 

And  mute  creation  hails  the  genial  God. 

*  Xaraya  is  a  large  lake  in  the  country  of  Paraguay  ;  and  is  the 
fource  of  the  river  Paraguay. 


.io8  BOOK        III. 

But  nobler  joys  his  righteous  laws  impart, 
To  aid  the  life  and  mould  the  focial  heart, 
His  peaceful  arts  o'er  happy  realms  to  fpread, 
And  altars  grace  with  pure  celeftial  bread  ; 
Such  our  diftinguifh'd  lot,  who  own  his  fway, 
Mild  as  his  morning  ftars,  and  liberal  as  the  day. 

His  unknown  laws,  the  mountain  chief  reply 'd, 
In  your  far  world,  your  boafted  race  may  guide ; 
And  yon  low  plains,  that  drink  his  genial  ray, 
At  his  glad  fhrine  their  juft  devotions  pay. 
But  we,  nor  fear  his  frown,  nor  truft  his  fmile ; 
He  blafts  our  forefts  and  o'erturns  our  toil ; 
Our  bowers  are  bury'd  in  his  whirls  of  fnow, 
Or  fwept  and  driven  to  fhade  his  tribes  below. 
Even  now  his  mounting  fleps  thy  hopes  beguile  -, 
He  lures  thy  raptures  with  a  morning  fmile  -3 
But  foon  (for  fo  thofe  faffron  robes  proclaim) 
Black  florms  mail  fail  beneath  his  leading  flame, 
Thunders  and  blafts,  againft  the  mountain  driven, 
Shall  make  the  tottering  tops  &  rend  the  vault  of  heaven 

He  fpoke ;  they  waited,  till  the  afcending  ray, 
High  from  the  noon-tide,  fhot  the  faithlefs  day  ; 
When,  lo  !  far-gathering,  round  the  eaftern  ikies, 
Solemn,  and  flow,  the  dark-red  vapors  rife  ; 
Full  clouds,  convolving  on  the  turbid  air, 
Move,  like  an  ocean  to  the  watery  war. 
The  hod,  fecurely  raifed,  no  dangers  harm, 
fhey  fit  unclouded,  and  o'er-Iook  the  ftorm  -3 


BOOK        III.  109 

While,  far  beneath,  the  fky-borne  waters  ride, 
O'er  the  dark  deep  and  up  the  mountain's  fide  ; 
The  lightning's  glancing  wings,  in  fury  curl'd, 
Bend  their  long  forky  terrors  o'er  the  world  ; 
Torrents  and  broken  craggs,  and  floods  of  rain, 
From  fteep  to  deep,  roll  down  their  force  amain, 
In  dreadful  cataracts  ;  the  craming  found      [ground. 
Fills  the  wide  heavens  and  rocks  the  fmouldering 
The  blafts,  unburden'd,  take  their  upward  courfe, 
And,  o'er  the  mountain-top,  refume  their  force : 
Swift,  thro'  the  long,  white  ridges,  from  the  north, 
The  rapid  whirlwinds  lead  their  terrors  forth ; 
High  rolls  the  dorm,  the  circling  furges  rife, 
And  wild  gyrations  wheel  the  hovering  fides ; 
Vaft  hills  of  fnow,  in  fweeping  columns  driven, 
Deluge  the  air  and  cloud  the  face  of  heaven  ; 
Floods  burft  their  chains,  the  rocks  forget  their  place, 
And  the  firm  mountain  trembles  to  its  bafe. 

Long  gazed  the  hoft;  when  thus  the  ftubborn  chief, 
With  eyes  on  fire,  and  fill'd  with  fullen  grief, 
Behold  thy  carelefs  God,  fccurely  high, 
Laughs  at  our  woes,  and  fails  the  heavens  in  joy  ; 
Drives  all  his  evils  on  thefe  feats  fublime, 
And  wafts  his  favours  to  a  happier  clime : 
Sire  of  that  peaceful  race,  thy  words  difclofe, 
There  glads  his  children,  here  afflicts  his  foes. 
Hence  !  fpeed  thy  courfe !  purfue  him  where  he  leads; 
Left  vengeance  feize  thee  for  thy  father's  deeds, 


**©  BOOK        III, 

Thy  immolated  limbs  aiTwage  the  fire 

Of  thofe  curft  Powers,  which  now  a  gift  require, 

The  youth,  in  hafte,  collects  his  fcanty  train, 
And,  with  the  fun,  flies  o'er  the  weftern  plain, 
•The  fading  orb  with  plaintiye  voice  he  plies, 
To  guide  his  fteps  and  light  him  down  the  fkies; 
So,  when  the  moon  and  all  the  hoftof  even, 
Hang,  pale  and  trembling,  on  the  verge  of  heaven, 
While  ftorms,  afcending,  threat  their  nightly  reign, 
They  feek  their  abfent  fire,  and  fettle  down  the  main, 

Now,  to  the  fouth,  he  turns  his  tedious  way, 
Where  tribes  unnumber'd  on  the  mountains  ftray ; 
And  finds,  collecting,  in  a  central  plain, 
From  all  the  hills,  a  wide-extended  train. 
Of  various  drefs  and  various  form  they  fhow'd ; 
Each  wore  theenfio;n  of  his  local  God. 
From  eaftern  fteeps,  a  grifly  hofl  defcends, 
O'er  whofe  grim  chief  a  tyger's  hide  depends  : 
The  tufky  jaws  grin  o'er  his  fhaggy  brow, 
The  eye-balls  glare,  the  paws  depend  below ; 
From  his  bored  ears  contorted  ferpents  hung, 
And  drops  of  gore  feem'd  rolling  on  his  tongue. 

From  northern  wilds,  dark  move  the  vulture-race  j 
Black  tufts  of  quills  their  fhaded  foreheads  grace  ^ 
The  claws  extend,  the  beak  is  oped  for  blood, 
And  all  the  armour  imitates  the  God. 
The  *condor,  frowning,  from  a  fouthern  plain, 
Borne  on  a  ftandard,  leads  a  numerous  train  : 

*  The  Condor  is  fuppofed  to  be  the  largeft  bird  in  the  world. 
His  wings,  from  one  extreme  to  the  other,  are  faid  to  meafure  twen- 
ty-four feet  j  and  he  is  able  to  carry  a  man  in  his  clutches. 


BOOK        III.  iii 

Clench'd  in  his  talons,  hangs  a  warrior  dead, 
His  long  beak  pointing  where  the  fquadrons  tread  ; 
His  wings,  far-ftretching,  cleave  the  whittling  wind., 
And  his  broad  tail  o'erihades  the  hoft  behind. 

From  other  plains,  and  other  hills,  afar. 
The  afifembling  tribes  throng  dreadful  to  the  war; 
Some  wear  the  crefted  furies  of  the  fnake, 
Some  fhow  the  emblems  of  a  ftream  or  lake ; 
All,  from  the  Power  they  ferve,  aflame  their  mode, 
And  foam  and  yell  to  tafte  the  Incan  blood. 

The  prince,  incautious,  with  his  train  drew  near, 
Known  for  an  Inca  by  his  drefs  and  air. 
Sudden  the  favage  bands  to  vengeance  move, 
Demand  their  arms  and  chace  them  round  the  grove  j 
His  fcattering  hoft  in  vain  the  combat  tries, 
While  circling  thoufands  from  their  ambufh  rife  ; 
Nor  power  to  drive,  nor  hope  of  flight  remains, 
They  bow  in  filencc  to  the  victor's  chains. 
When,  now  the  gathering  fquadrons  throng  the  plain, 
And  echoing  fkies  the  rending  fhouts  retain  ; 
Zamor,  the  leader  of  the  tyger-band, 
By  choice  appointed  to  the  firft  command, 
Shrugg'd  up  his  fpotted  fpoils  above  the  reft, 
And,  grimly  frowning,  thus  the  croud  addrefs'd  : 

Warriors,  attend  ;  tomorrow  leads  abroad 
Our  facred  vengeance  for  our  brothers'  hlood. 
On  thofe  fcorch'd  plains  forever  murr.  they  lie, 
Their  bones  {till  naked  to  the  burning  fky  I 


ii2  BOOK        IIL 

Left  in  the  field  for  foreign  hawks  to  tear, 
Nor  our  own  vultures  can  the  banquet  fhare. 
But  foon,  ye  mountain  Gods,  yon  dreary  well 
Shall  fate  your  vengeance  with  a  nobler  feaft; 
When  the  proud  Sun,  that  terror  of  the  plain, 
Shall  grieve  in  heaven  for  all  his  children  (lain ; 
O'er  boundlefs  fields  our  flaughtering  myriads  roam,, 
And  your  dark  Powers  command  a  happier  home. 
Mean  while,  ye  tribes,  thefe  men  of  folar  race, 
Food  for  the  flames,  your  bloody  rites  fhall  grace  : 
Each  to  a  different  God,  his  panting  breath 
Refigns  in  fire ;  this  night  demands  their  death  ; 
All  but  the  Inca  j  him,  referved  in  ftate, 
Thefe  conquering  hands  ere  long  fhall  immolate, 
To  that  dread  Power  that  thunders  in  the  fkies, 
A  grateful  gift,  before  his  mother's  eyes, 

The  favage  ceafed  ;  the  chiefs  of  every  race 
Lead  the  bold  captives  to  their  deflined  place; 
The  fun  defcends,  the  parting  day  expires, 
And  earth  and  heaven  difplay  their  fparkling  fires. 
Soon  the  raifed  altars  kindle  round  the  gloom, 
And  call  the  viclims  to  the  vengeful  doom ; 
L^d  to  thefcene,  in  fovereign  pomp  they  tread, 
And  /ing,  by  turns,  the  triumphs  of  the  dead. 
Amid  the  croud,  befide  his  altar,  flood 
The  youth  devoted  to  the  tyger-God. 
A  beauteous  form  he  rofe,  of  princely  grace, 
The  only  hope  of  his  illuftrious  race  5 


BOOK        III.  113 

His  aged  fire,  through  numerous  years,  had  fhone, 
The  firft  fupporter  of  the  Incan  throne  j 
Wife  Capac  loved  the  youth,  and  graced  his  hand 
With  a  fair  virgin,  from  a  neighbouring  band; 
And  him  the  joyous  prince*  in  equal  prime, 
Had  chofe  t'  attend  him  round  the  lavage  clime. 
He  mounts  the  pyre  ;  the  flames  approach  his  breath , 
And  thus  he  wakes  the  canticle  of  death. 
O  thou  dark  vault  of  heaven  !  his  daily  throne, 
Where  flee  the  abfent  glories  of  the  Sun  ? 
Ye  ftarry  hods,  that  kindle  from  his  eye, 
Can  you  behold  him  in  the  weftern  fky  ? 
Or  if,  unfeen,  he  reds  his  radiant  head, 
Beneath  the  confines  of  his  watery  bed, 
When  next  his  morning  Heps  your  courts  inflame, 
And  fcek  on  earth  for  young  Azonto's  name, 
Then  point  thefe  afhes,  mark  the  fmoky  pile, 
And  fay  the  hero  fuffer'd  with  a  fmile. 
So  fhall  the  avenging  Power,  in  fury  dreft, 
Bind  the  red  circlet  o'er  his  changing  veft, 
Bid  dire  deflruclion,  on  thefe  dark  abodes, 
Whelm  the  grim  tribes  and  all  their  favage  Gods? 
But  oh  !  forbear  to  tell  my  (looping  fire, 
His  darling  hopes  have  fed  a  coward  fire : 
Why  fhould  he  know  the  tortures  of  the  brave  ? 
Or  fruitlefs  forrows  bend  him  to  the  grave  ? 
And  may'ft  thou  ne'er  be  told,  my  anxious  fair, 
What  rending  pangs  thefe  panting  vitals  tear  -, 

P 


H4  BOOK         III. 

But.  blooming  ftillj  the  impatient  wifh  employ 
On  the  blind  hope  of  future  fcenes  of  joy. 
Now  hafte,  ye  ftrides  of  death,  the  Power  of  day , 
In  abfent  (lumbers,  gives  your  vengeance  way  ; 
While  fainter  light  thefe  livid  flames  fupply, 
And  fhort-lived  thoufands  learn  of  me  to  die. 

He  ceafed  not  fpeaking  ;  when  the  yell  of  war 
Drowns  all  their  death-fongs  in  a  hideous  jar  ; 
.Round  the  far  echoing  hills  the  yellings  pour, 
And  wolves  and  tygers  catch  the  diftant  roar. 
Now  more  concordant  all  their  voices  join, 
And  round  the  plain  they  form  the  lengthening  line ; 
When,  to  the  mufic  of  the  difmal  din, 
Indignant  Zamor  bids  the  dance  begin. 
Dim,  thro'  the  fhadowy  fires,  each  changing  form 
Moves  like  a  cloud  before  an  evening  ftorm  ; 
When,  o'er  the  moon's  pale  face  and  (tarry  plain, 
The  fnades  of  heaven  lead  on  their  broken  train  -, 
The  mingling  tribes  their  mazy  circles  tread, 
Till  the  laft  groan  proclaims  the  victims  dead  ; 
Then  part  the  fmoky  Belli,  enjoy  the  feaft, 
And  lofe  their  labours  in  oblivious  reft. 

Now,  when  the  weftern  hills  proclaimed  the  morn, 
And  falling  fires  were  fcarcely  ken  to  burn, 
Grimm'd  by  the  horrors  of  the  dreadful  night, 
The  hofts  woke  fiercer  for  the  diftant  fight  -, 
And,  dark  and  filent,  like  a  fhadowy  grove, 
The  different  tribes  beneath  their  ftandards  move, 


BOOK        IIL  |C|j 

But  round  the  blifsful  city  of  the  fun, 
Since  the  young  prince  his  foreign  toils  begun, 
The  prudent  king  collected,  from  afar, 
His  numerous  hofts  to  meet  the  expected  war. 
The  various  tribes,  in  one  extended  train, 
Move  to  the  confines  of  an  eaftern  plain  ; 
Where,  from  the  exalted  kingdom's  utmoft  end, 
Sublimer  hills  and  favage  walks  afcend. 
High  in  the  front,  imperial  Capac  ftrode, 
In  fair  effulgence  like  the  beaming  God  $ 
A  golden  girdle  bound  his  fp.owy  veft, 
A  mimic  Sun  hung  trembling  on  his  breafr, 
The  lautu's  circling  band  his  temples  twined, 
The  bow,  the  quiver  ihade  his  waift  behind  j 
Raifed  high  in  air,  his  golden  fceptre  burn'd. 
And  hofts  furrounding  trembled  asheturn'd. 

O'er  eaftern  hills  he  caft  his  kindling  eye, 
Where  opening  breaches  lengthen  down  the  fky  , 
In  whofe  blue  clefts,  wide,  Hoping  alleys  bend, 
Where*  annual  floods  from  melting  fnows  defcend 
Now,  dry  and  deep,  far  up  the  dreary  height, 
Show  the  dark  fquadrons  moving  into  fight ; 
They  throng  and  thicken  on  the  fmoky  air, 
And  every  breach  pours  down  the  dufky  war. 
So  when  an  hundred  ftreams  explore  their  way, 
Down  the  fame  dopes,  convolving  to  the  fea ; 
They  boil,  they  bend,  they  urge  their  force  amain, 
I  Swell  o'er  th'  obftructingcraggs  and  fweep  thediftant 

[plain. 


16  BOOK        III. 

Capac  beholds,  and  waits  the  coming  lHock, 
Unmoved,  and  gleaming  like  an  icy  rock  ; 
And  while  for  fight  the  arming  hofts  prepare, 
Thus  thro'  the  files  he  breathes  the  foul  of  war. 
Ye  hofts,  of  every  tribe  and  every  plain, 
That  live  and  flourifri  in  my  father's  reign, 
Long  have  your  flocks  and  ripening  harvefts  fhown 
The  genial  fmiles  of  his  indulgent  throne  ; 
As  o'er  furrounding  realms  his  bleflings  flow'd, 
And  conquer'd  all  without  the  Main  of  blood. 
But  now,  behold  yon  wide-collecting  band, 
With  threatening  war,  demands  the  happy  land  : 
Beneath  the  dark,  immeafurable  hoft, 
Defcending,  fwarming,  how  the  craggs  are  loft  ! 
Already  now,  their  ravening  eyes  behold 
Your  ftar-bright  temples  and  your  gates  of  gold  ; 
And  to  their  Gods  in  fancied  goblets  pour, 
The  warm  libation  of  your  children's  gore. 
Move  then  to  vengeance,  meet  the  whelming  flood, 
Led  by  this  arm  and  lighted  by  that  God  ; 
The  ftrife  is  fierce,  your  fanes  and  fields  the  prize, 
The  warrior  conquers  or  the  infant  dies. 

Fill'd  with  his  fire,  the  hofts,  in  fquared  array. 
Eye  the  dark  legions  and  demand  the  affray  ^ 
Their  pointed  arrows,  rifing  on  the  bow, 
Look  up  the  iky  and  chide  the  lagging  foe. 

Fierce  Zamor,  frowning,  leads  the  grifly  train, 
Moves  from  the  clefts,  and  ftretches  o'er  the  plain  < 


BOOK        III.  117 

He  gives  the  fhriek  ;  the  deep  convulfing  found 
The  hofts  re-echo ;  and  the  hills  around 
Retain  the  rending  tumult ;  all  the  air 
Clangs  in  the  conflict  of  the  clafhing  war. 
But  firm,  undaunted,  as  a  fhelvy  ftrand, 
That  meets  the  billowy  furge,  the  fquadrons  (land  -, 
Bend  the  broad  bow,  in  lengthier  circuit  fpread, 
And  fhowers  of  arrows  thicken  heaven  with  fhade. 
When  each  grim  hod,  in  clofer  conflict  join'd, 
Clench  the  dire  ax,  and  cad  the  bow  behind  ; 
Thro'  broken  ranks  lweep  wide  the  rapid  courfe, 
Now  druggie  back,  now  fidelong  fway  the  force  ; 
Here,  from  grim  chiefs  is  lopp'd  the  grifly  head  ; 
All  gride  the  dying,  all  deface  the  dead  ; 
There,  fcattering  o'er  the  field,  in  thin  array, 
Man  drives  with  man,  and  dones  with  axes  play; 
With  broken  fhafts  they  follow  arid  they  fly, 
And  yells  and  groans  and  fhouts  invade  the  fky ; 
Round  all  the  plains  and  groves,  the  ground  is  drow'd 
With  fever'd  limbs  and  corfes  bathed  in  blood. 
I^ong  raged  the  drife  ;  and  where,  on  either  fide, 
A  friend,  a  father  or  a  brother  died, 
No  trace  remain'd  of  what  he  fhow'd  before, 
Mangled  with  horrid  wounds  and  fmear'd  with  gore. 

Now  the  Peruvians,  in  collected  might, 
With  one  wide  fweep  had  wing'd  the  favage  flight ; 
But  heaven's  bright  Splendor  in  his  midday  race, 
With  glooms  unufual,  veil'd  his  radiant  face. 


US  BOOK        III. 

By  flow  degrees  a  folemn  twilight  moves,      [groves. 
Browns  the  dim  heavens  and  ihades  the  confcious 
The  obferving  Inca  views,  with  wild  furprife, 
Deep  glooms  on  earth,  no  cloud  around  the  Ikies ; 
His  hoft  o'erfhaded  in  the  field  of  blood, 
Gored  by  his  foes,  deferted  by  his  God. 
All  mute  with  wonder,  ceafe  the  ftrife  to  wage, 
Gaze  at  each-other,  and  forget  their  rage  , 
When  pious  Capac,  to  the  liftening  croud, 
Raifed  high  his  wand  and  pour'd  his  voice  aloud  ; 
Ye  chiefs  and  warriors  of  Peruvian  race, 
Some  dire  offence  obfeures  my  father's  face ; 
What  moves  the  Godhead  to  defert  the  plain, 
Nor  fave  his  children,  nor  beholdjhem  (lain  ? 
Fly  !  fpeed  your  courfe,  and  feek  the  diftant  town, 
Ere  darknefs  fhroud  you  in  a  deeper  frown  j 
The  lengthening  walls  your  fquadrons  fhall  defend. 
While  my  fad  fteps  the  facred  dome  afcend ; 
There  learn  the  caufe,  and  ward  the  woes  we  fear — ■ 
Hafte,  hafte,  my  fons,  I  guard  the  flying  rear. 
The  hero  fpoke ;  the  trembling  tribes  obey, 
While  deeper  glooms  obfeure  the  fource  of  day. 
Sudden,  the  favage  bands  colled  amain, 
Hang  on  the  rear  and  fweep  them  o'er  the  plain  -, 
Their  fliouts,  redoubling  o'er  the  flying  war. 
Drown  the  loud  groans  and  torture  all  the  air  ; 
The  hawks  of  heaven,  that  o'er  the  field  hacl  flood. 
Scared  by  the  tumult  from  the  fcent  of  blood, 


BOOK        III.  119 

Cleave  the  far  gloom  ;  the  beads  forget  their  prey, 
And  fcour  the  wafte,  and  give  the  war  its  way. 

Zamor,  elate  with  horrid  joy,  beheld 
The  Sun  depart,  his  children  fly  the  field, 
And  raifed  his  rending  voice  ;  Thou  darkening  fky, 
Deepen  thy  glooms,  the  Power  of  death  is  nigh  ; 
Behold  him  rifing  from  his  nightly  throne, 
To  veil  the  heavens  and  drive  the  conquer'd  Sun  ! 
The  glaring  Godhead  yields  to  facred  Night  j 
And  all  his  armies  imitate  his  flight. 
O  dark,  infernal  Power,  confirm  thy  reign  ; 
Give  deadlier  fhades  and  heap  the  piles  of  flain  : 
Soon,  the  young  captive  prince  fhall  roll  in  fire, 
And  all  his  race  accumulate  the  pyre. 
Ye  mountain  vultures,  here  your  vengeance  pour, 
Tygers  and  condors,  all  ye  Gods  of  gore, 
In  thefe  dread  fields,  beneath  your  frowning  fky, 
Ji  plenteous  feaft  fhall  every  God  fupply. 
Rufh  forward,  warriors,  hide  the  plains  with  dead  ; 
'Twas  here  our  friends,  in  former  combat,  bled ; 
Strow'd  thro'  the  wade,  their  bloody  bones  demand 
This  fweeping  vengeance  from  our  conquering  hand. 

He  faid  ;  and,  high  before  the  tyger-train, 
With  longer  ftrides,  hangs  forward  o'er  the  Gain, 
Bends,  like  a  falling  tree,  to  reach  the  foe, 
And  o'er  tall  Capac  aims  a  deadly  blow. 
The  king  beheld  the  ax,  and  with  his  wand, 
Struck  the  raifed  weapon  from  his  grafping  hand  ; 


no  BOOK        III. 

Then  clench'd  the  falling  helve,  and  whirling  round, 
Fell'd  furious  hofts  of  heroes  to  the  ground  : 
Nor  ftay'd,  but  follow'd,  where  thefquadrons  run, 
Fearing  to  fight,  forfaken  by  the  Sun  : 
Till  Cufco's  walls  falute  their  longing  fight, 
And  the  wide  gates  receive  their  rapid  flight. 
The  folds  are  barr'd,  the  foes,  in  fhade  conceal'd, 
Like  howling  wolves,  rave  round  the  affrighted  field. 

The  monarch  now  afcends  the  facred  dome, 
Where  the  Sun's  image  wore  a  faded  gloom. 
Thro*  all  the  courts  a  folemn  {hade  prevail'd. 
And  difmal  groans  hisliftening  ear  afTaiTd  -y 
Deep  from  an  inner  fhrine,  the  ftifled  fighs 
Breathe  forth  awhile,  and  thefe  fad  accents  rife. 
Was  it  for  this,  my  fon  to  diftant  lands 
Muft  trace  the  wilds,  amid  thofe  favage  bands  ? 
And  does  the  God  obfeure  hrs  golden  throne, 
In  mournful  filence  for  my  flaughter'd  fon  I 
Oh,  had  his  beam,  ere  that  difaftrous  day, 
That  fnatch'd  the  youth  from  thefe  fond  arms  awa)V 
Received  my  mounting  fpirit  to  thefky, 
That  fad  Oella  might  have  feen  him  die. 
Where  flept  thy  jfhaft  of  vengeance,  O  my  God^ 
When  thofe  fell  tygers  drank  his  facred  blood  ? 
Did  not  the  pious  prince,  with  rites  divine, 
Feed  the  pure  flame,  within  thy  hallow'd  fhrine  ? 
And  early  learn,  beneath  his  father's  hand, 
To  fhed  thy  blefllngs  round  the  favour'd  land  ? 


BOOK        III.  iii 

Form'd  by  thy  laws  the  royal  feat  to  grace, 
Son  of  thy  fon,  and  glory  of  his  race. 
Where,  cleared:  Rocha,  rePcs  thy  beauteous  head? 
Where  the  rent  robes  thy  haplefs  mother  made  ? 
I  fee  thee,  mid  thofe  hideous  hills  offnow, 
Purfued  and  llaughter'd  by  the  favagc  foe; 
Or,  doom'd  a  feait  for  fome  infernal  God, 
Whole  horrid  fhrine  demands  thy  harmlefs  blood. 

Snatch  me,  D  Sun,  to  happier  worlds  of  light 

No  fhroud  me,  fhroud  me,  with  thyfelf  in  night ■ 


Thou  hearM  me  not ;  thou  dread,  departed  Power, 
Thy  face  is  dark,  and  Pvocha  is  no  more. 

Thus  heard  the  filent  king;  his  heaving  heart 
Caught  all  her  grief,  and  bore  a  father's  part. 
The  caufe,  fuggeiled  by  her  tender  moan, 
That  veil'd  the  midday  fpicndors  of  the  fun, 
And  fnouts  irifulting  of  the  raging  fo^y 
Fix'd  him  fufpenfe,  in  all  the  itrength  of  woe. 
A  doubtful  moment  held  his  changing  choice  ; 
Now  would  he  footh  her ;  half  alTumes  his  voice ; 
But  greater  cares  the  rifmg  wiin  contioul, 
And  call  forth  all  his  dignity  of  foul. 
Why  (hould  he  qeafe  to  ward  the  coming  fate  ? 
Or  fhe  be  told  the  foes  beliege  the  gate  ? 
He  turn'd  in  hade  ;  and  now  the  image-God, 
High  in  the  front,  with  kindling  1  nitre  giow'd  : 
Swift  thro'  the  portal,  Mew  the  hero's  eye, 
And  hail'd  the  growing  Splendor  in  the  fey. 


122  BOOK        III. 

The  thronging  hoft,  now  brightening  at  the  fight, 
Pour  round  the  dome,  impatient  for  the  fight ; 
The  chief,  descending,  in  the  portal  flood, 
And  thus  addrefs'd  the  all-delighting  God. 

O  fovereign  Soul  of  heaven  ;  thy  changing  face 
Makes  or  deftroys  the  glory  of  thy  race. 
If,  from  the  bounds  of  earth,  my  fon  be  fled, 
Firft  of  thy  line  that  ever  graced  the  dead  -, 
If  thy  bright  Godhead  ceafed  in  heaven  to  burn, 
For  that  loved  youth,  who  never  mud  return  -, 
Forgive  thine  armies  -,  when,  in  fields  of  blood, 
They  lofe  their  ftrength,  and  fear  the  frowning  God. 
As  now  thy  glory,  with  fuperior  day, 
Glows  ihro'  the  field  a.nd  leads  the  warrior's  way, 
May  our  delighted  fouls,  to  vengeance  driven, 
Burn  with  new  brightnefs  in  the  caufe  of  heaven  -, 
For  thy  (lain  fon  fee  larger  fquadrons  bleed, 
We  mourn  the  hero,  but  avenge  the  deed. 

He  faid ;  and,  from  the  battlements  on  high, 
A  watchful  warrior  raifed  an  eager  cry; 

An  Inca  white  on  yonder  altar  tied 

Tis  Rocha's  felf — the  flame  afcends  his  fide. 

In  fweeping  hafte  the  burfting  gates  unbar, 
And  flood  the  champaign  with  a  tide  of  war  -y 
A  cloud  of  arrows  leads  the  rapid  train, 
They  mout,  they  fwarm,  they  hidethemoving  plain 
The  bows  and  quivers  flrow  the  field  behind, 
And  the  raifed  axes  cleave  the  parting  wind ; 


BOOK         III.  123 

The  prince,  confeft  to  every  warrior's  fight, 
Infpires  each  foul  and  centres  ail  the  fight ; 
Each  hopes  to  fnatch  him  from  the  kindling  pyre, 
Each  fears  his  breath  already  flits  in  fire  : 
While  Zamor  fpread  his  thronging  fquadrons  wide, 
Wedged  like  a  wall — and  thus  the  king  defied : 
Hafte  !  fon  of  Light,  pour  faft  the  winged  war, 
The  prince,  the  dying  prince  demands  your  care: 
Hear  how  his  death-fong  chides  your  dull  delay, 
Lift  larger  ftrides,  bend  forward  to  the  affray  ; 
Ere  folding  flames  prevent  his  ftifled  groan, 
Child  of  your  beaming  God,  a  victim  to  our  own. 

He  faid  ;  and  railed  his  fliaggy  form  on  high, 
And  bade  the  Ihafts  glide  thicker  thro1  the  fky. 
Like  the  black  billows  of  the  lifted  main, 
Rolls  into  fight  the  long  Peruvian  train  ; 
A  white  fail,  bounding,  on  the  billows  toft, 
Is  Capac,  ftriding  o'er  the  furious  hoft. 
Now  meet  the  dreadful  chiefs,  with  eyes  on  fire ; 
Beneath  their  blows  the  parting  ranks  retire: 
In  whirlwind-fweep,  their  meeting  axes  bound, 
Wheel,  crafti  in  air,  and  plough  the  trembling  ground ; 
Their  finewy  limbs,  in  fierce  contortions,  bend, 
And  mutual  ftrokes,  with  equal  force,  defcend; 
The  king  fways  backward  from  the  ftruggling  foe, 
Collects  new  ftrength,  and  with  a  circling  blow 
Rufh'd  furious  on  ;  his  flinty  edge,  on  high, 
Met  Zamor's  helve,  and  glancing,  cleft  his  thigh. 


124  BOOK         III. 

The  favage  fell ;  when,  thro'  the  tyger-train, 
The  driving  Inca  fwept  a  widening  lane  ; 
Whole  ranks  fall  daggering,  where  he  lifts  his  arm, 
Or  roll  before  him,  like  a  billowy  dorm  ; 
Behind  his  fteps  collecting  legions  clofe, 
While,  centred  in  a  circling  ridge  of  foes, 
He  drives  his  furious  way  ;  the  prince  unties, 
And  thus  his  voice — Dread  Sovereign  of  the  ikies, 
Accept  my  living  fon,  again  bedow'd, 
To  grace  wuh  rites  the  temple  of  his  God. 
Move,  warriors,  move,  complete  the  work  begun, 
Cruili  the  grim  race,  avenge  the  injured  Sun. 

The  favage  hod,  that  view'd  the  daring  deed, 
And  faw  deep  fquadrons  with  their  leader  bleed, 
Raifed  high  the  fhriek  of  horror  ;  all  the  plain 
Is  trod  with  flight  and  cover'd  with  the  (lain. 
The  bold  Peruvians  circle  round  the  field, 

Confine  their  Sight  and  bid  the  relics  yield  ; 

<^ 

While  Capac  railed  his  placid  voice  again — 
Ye  conquering  bods,  collecl  the  fcatter'd  train  5 
The  Sun  commands  to  day  the  rage  of  war, 
He  knows  to  conquer,  but  he  leves  to  fpare. 

Fie  ceafed  y  and,  where  the  favage  leader  lay 
Weltering  in  gore,  directs  his  eager  way  -, 
Unwraps  the  tyger's  hide,  and  drives  in  vain 
To  clofe  the  wound,  and  mitigate  the  pain  ; 
And,  while  foft  pity  moved  his  manly  bread, 
Railed  the  huge  head  and  thus  the  chief  addreft. 


BOOK        III.  125 

Too  long,  dread  prince,  thy  raging  arms  withftood 
The  hofts  of  heaven,  and  braved  the  avenging  God  -} 
His  fdftireign  will  commands  all  ftrife  to  ceafe, 
His  realm  is  concord,  and  his  pleafure,  peace  ; 
This  copious  carnage,  fpreading  all  the  plain, 
Infults  his  bounties,  but  confirms  his  reign. 
Enough,  'tis  pail — thy  parting  breath  demands 
The  laft,  fad  oflice  from  my  yielding  hands. 
To  fhare  thy  pains,  and  feel  thy  hopelefs  woe, 
Are  rites  ungrateful  to  a  falling  foe; 
Yet  reft  in  peace  ;  and  know,  a  chief  fo  brave, 
When  life  departs,  mall  find  an  honour'd  grave  ; 
Thefe  hands,  in  mournful  pomp,  thy  tomb  fhallrear> 
And  tribes  unborn  thy  haplefs  fate  declare. 

Infult  me  not  with  tombs,  the  favage  cried, 
Let  clofing  clods  thy  coward  carcafehide; 
But  thefe  brave  bones,  unbury'd  on  the  plain, 
Touch  not  with  duft,  nor  dare  with  rites  profane  -, 
Let  no  curft  earth  conceal  this  gorey  head, 
Nor  fongs  proclaim  the  dreadful  Zamor  dead. 
Me,  whom  the  hungry  Gods,  from  plain  to  plain, 
Have  follow'd,  feafting  on  thy  flaughter'd  train, 
Me  wouldfl  thou  cover  ?  no  !  from  yonder  fky, 
The  wide-beak'd  hawk,  that  now  beholds  me  die, 
Soon,  with  his  cowering  train,  my  flefh  fhall  tear, 
And  wolves  and  tygers  vindicate  their  mare. 
Receive,  dread  Powers,  (fince  I  can  flay  no  more) 
My  lafb  glad  victim,  this  devoted  gore. 


ii6  BOOK        III. 


Thus  pour'd  the  vengeful  chief  his  fainting  breath, 
And  loft  his  utterance  in  the  gafp  of  death. 
The  fad  remaining  tribes  confefs  the  Powerfft 
That  flieds  his  bounties  round  the  favourite  fhore  3 
All  bow  obedient  to  the  Incan  throne. 
And  bleft  Oella  hails  her  living  fon, 


THE 


VISION    of    COLUMBUS. 


BOOK     IV. 


ARGUMENT. 

DeflrucJion  of  Peru  foretold.  Grief  cf  Columbus.  He 
is  comforted  by  a  promife  of  a  vifion  of  future  aesg* 
All  Europe  appears  in  vifion.  Effect  of  the  difcovery 
upon  the  affairs  of  Europe.  Improvement  in  com- 
merce— government.  Revival  of  learning.  Reform- 
ation in  religion.  Order  of  the  Jefuits.  Religious 
perfection.  Character  of  Raleigh  ;  who  plans  the 
fettlement  of  North- America.  Formation  cf  the 
coaft  by  the  gulph-flr  earn.  Nature  of  the  colonial 
eftablifrments.  Fleets  of  fettlers  fleering  for  Amer- 
ica. 


The    VISION     of     COLUMBUS. 
BOOK    IV. 


I 


N  one  dark  age,  beneath  a  Tingle  hand, 
Thus  rofe  an  empire  in  the  favage  land. 
Her  golden  feats,  with  following  years,  increafe^ 
Her  growing  nations  fpread  the  walks  of  peace, 
Her  facred  rites  difplay  the  pureft  plan, 
That  e'er  adorn'd  the  unguided  mind  of  man. 

Yet  all  the  pomp,  the  extended  climes  unfold, 
The  fields  of  verdure  and  the  towers  of  gold, 
Thofe  works  of  peace,  and  fovereign  fcenes  of  ftate, 
In  ihort-lived  glory,  haften  to  their  fate. 
Thy  followers,  rufliing  like  an  angry  flood, 
Shall  whelm  the  fields  and  (lain  the  fhrines  in  blood ; 
Nor  thou,   Las  Cafas,  beft  of  men,  (halt  (lay 
The  ravening  legions  from  their  guard  lefs  prey. 
Oh  !  haplefs  prelate,  hero,  faint  and  fage, 
Doom'd  with  hard  guilt  a  fruitlefs  war  to  wage, 
To  fee,  with  grief  (thy  life  of  virtues  run) 
A  realm  unpeopled  and  a  world  undone. 
While  impious  Valverde,  mock  of  priefthood,  ftands, 
Guilt  in  his  heart,  the  gofpel  in  his  hands, 


ijo  BOOK        IV. 

Bids,  in  one  field,  unnumbered  fquadrons  bleed, 
Smiles  o'er  the  fcene  and  fanctifies  the  deed. 

'And  thou,  brave  Gafca,  with  thy  virtuous  train, 
Shalt  lift  the  fword  and  urge  thy  power  in  vain  ; 
Vain,  the  late  tafk,  the  finking  land  to  fave, 
Or  call  her  flaughter'd  millions  from  the  grave. 
The  Seraph  fpoke.     Columbus,  with  a  figh, 
Cad  o'er  the  haplefs  climes  his  moiften'd  eye, 
And  thus  return'd  :  Oh,  hide  me  in  the  tomb  ; 
Why  fhould  I  live  to  view  the  impending  doom  ? 
Iffuch  dread  fcenes  the  fcheme  of  heaven  compofej 
And  virtuous  toils  induce  redoubled  woes, 
Unfold  no  more ;  but  grant  a  kind  releafe, 
Give  me,  'tis  all  I  afk,  to  reft  in  peace. 

Thy  foul  ihall  reft  in  peace,  the  Power  rejoin'd, 
Ere  thefe  ■conflicting  ihades  involve  mankind  : 
But  nobler  views  fhall  firft  thy  mind  engage, 
Beyond  the  bounds  of thisdeftruflive  age; 
Where  happier  fruits  of  thy  unwearied  toil, 
Thro'  future  years,  and  other  empires,  fmile. 
Europe's  contending  realms  mail  foon  behold 
Thefe  fruitful  plains  and  hills  of  opening  gold; 
Fair  in  the  path  of  thy  adventurous  fail, 
Their  OQwntlcfs  navies  float  in  every  gale, 
For  wealth  and  commerce,  fweep  the  extended  ihore, 

.  And. load  the  ocean  with  the  mining  ore. 

As,-up~the  orient  heaven,  the  dawning  ray 
Smiles  o'er  the  world  and  gives  the  promifed  day  •„ 


BOOK        IV.  131 

Drives  fraud  and  rapine  from  their  nightly  fpoil, 
And  focial  nature  wakes  to  peaceful  toil  ; 
So,  from  the  blazing  mine,  the  golden  (lore, 
Mid  warring  nations,  fpreads  from  fhore  to  more, 
With  new  ambition  fires  their  ravim'd  eyes, 
O'er  factious  nobles  bids  the  monarch  rife; 
Unites  the  force  of  realms,  the  wealth  to  Ihare, 
Leads  larger  hods  to  milder  walks  of  war  ; 
The  golden  fcale,  while  rival  ftates  fufpend, 
And  princely  powers  their  mutual  aid  extend  ; 
Wide  o'er  the  world,  while  genius  unconfined 
Tempts  happier  flights  and  opens  all  the  mind ; 
Unbinds  the  flavifn.  bands  of  monkifh  lore, 
Awakes  the  arts  and  bids  the  Mufes  foar. 

Then  mall  thy  northern  climes  their  charms  dif- 
United  nations  there  extend  their  fway  j  f  play  ; 

O'er  the  new  world  exalt  their  peerlefs  throne, 
And  twine  thy  wreaths  immortal  on  their  crown. 

Now  lift  thine  eye.    O'er  Europe's  circling  rounds, 
Where    kings    contending    claim    their   bordering 
Behold  in  light,  the  nations  (lowly  rife,        [bounds, 
Like  trembling  vapours  in  the  morning  flcies. 
Where  thofe  long  fhores  their  different  courfes  run, 
Round  the  dim  north,  and  tow'rd  the  eaftern  fun; 
The  naked  harbours,  looking  to  the  main, 
Unfold  cheir  bounds  and  break  the  winds  in  vain  ; 
The  labouring  tide  no  foreign  treafure  brings, 
No  floating  forelt  waves  its  canvafs  wings, 


IJ2  BOOK        IV. 

No  bufy  throngs  the  lonely  margin  tread,. 
Ncr  fails  nor  cities  call:  a  watery  fhade  ; 
Save,  where,  yon  opening  gulph  the  ftrand  divides^ 
Proud  Venice  bathes  her  in  the  broken  tides, 
Beholds  her  fcattering  barks  around  her  ftrown, 
And,  fovereign,  deems  the  watery  world  her  own. 
The  nations  fierce,  that  local  faiths  enrage, 
In  caufeiefs  ftrife  perpetual  combat  wage. 
No  martial  fyftem  claims  the  monarch's  care, 
Nor  {landing  legions  guard  the  realm  from  war; 
Give  general  laws  to  nations,  and  reftrain 
The  untemper'd  rage  of  paiTion's  lawlefs  reign. 

But  the  firm  bondage  of  the  flavifh  mind, 
Spreads  deeper  glooms  and  fubjugates  mankind. 
As  the  dark  northern  tribes,  in  elder  times, 
Drove  every  art  from  Europe's  cultured  climes, 
O'er  ruin'd  Latium  fix'd  their  favage  reign, 
Mid  towers  o'erturn'd  and  learned  millions  (lain  ; 
Thus,  o'er  the  fame  fair  feats,  with  deadlier  fnade, 
Folly  and  zeal  their  fable  enfigns  fpread, 
Send  their  cowFd  teachers  every  feci  to  blind, 
Stretch  the  deep  mantle  and  fecure  the  mind, 
Warn  from  the  world,  by  Gallileo's  fate, 
Each  daring  truth  that  boafls  a  modern  date, 
Support  all  crimes,  by  full  indulgence  given, 
Uiurp  the  power  and  wield  the  fword  of  Heaven. 

But  fee,  where  future  years  their  fcenes  unroll, 
And  fifing  arts  infpire  the  venturous  foul. 


BOO     K1       IV.  133 

Behold,  from  all  the  extended  coafts  of  Spain, 
Unnumber'd  navies  croud  the  whitening  main  ; 
High  o'er  the  weftern  wave,  in  cloudly  flight, 
They  ftream  and  lefien  on  the  varying  fight, 
Dim  thro'  the  ifles  and  middle  regions  pour, 
Furl  the  low  fails,  and  fid rt  the  mafted  more. 
From  the  long  ftrand  the  moving  loads  behold, 
The  fparkling  gems,  and  heaps  of  burning  gold. 
The  fails  afcend  ;  and,  tow'rd  their  native  day, 
With  heavier  burdens  win  their  arduous  way! 

Now,  from  all  coafts,  that  Europe's  realms  fur  round', 
See  the  long  fquadrons  o'er  the  billows  bound  -% 
Thro'  Afric's  ifles,  obferve  the  fweepirig  fails, 
Full  pinions  tofllng  in  Arabian  gales  -y 
Indus  and  Ganges,  deep  in  canvafs,  loft, 
And  navies  crouding  round  each  orient  coafts 
New  nations  rife  to  light,  extend  the  toil, 
Unfold  their  treafures,  mare  the  foreign  fpoil, 
Join  diftant  worlds,  all  climes  and  oceans  brave, 
And  fhade  with  fheets  the  immeafurable  wave. 

While  rival  realms  in  greater  works  engage, 
And  wake  the  genius  of  a  happier  age  -, 
Their  bounds  enlarge,  and  mutual  fafety  mare, 
By  leagues  of  peace  and  ftahcling  ftrength  of  war. 
See  lofty  Ximines,  with  folemn  gait, 
Move  from  the  cloifter  to  the  walks  of  ftate, 
Thro'  all  the  extended  baronies  of  Spain, 
Curb  the  fierce  lords,  and  fix  the  royal  reign. 


134  BOOK         IV. 

Behold,  dread  Charles  the  fovereign  feat  afcends, 

O'er  kings  and  climes  his  eager  view  extends  ; 

Europe's  furrounding  ftates,  before  his  eyes, 

Lure  the  wide  wifh  and  bid  his  claims  arife ; 

While  wealthier  mores,  beneath  the  weftern  day, 

Unfold  their  treafures  and  enlarge   his  fway. 

See  the  brave  Francis  lift  his  banners  round, 

To  guard  the  realms  and  give  his  rival  bound  -, 

With  equal  pomp,  the  imperial  fceptre  clairn^ 

And  fire  the  nations  with  an  equal  name, 

Unite  his  kingdom  and  his  power  extend, 

Of  arms  the  patron,  and  of  arts  the  friend.       < 

And  fee  proud  Wolfey  rife,  fecurely  great, 

Kings  in  his  train,  and  fceptres  at  his  feet, 

From  monkifh  walls,  the-hoards  of  wealth  he  draws, 

To  aid  the  tyrant  and  retrain  the  laws, 

Wakes  Albion's  genius,  abler  monarchs  braves, 

And  fhares  with  them  the  empire  of  the  waves. 

Behold  dark  Solyman,  from  eaftem  ikies, 

With  his  grim  hoft,  magnificently  rife  : 

Extend  his  limits  o'er  the  midland  fea, 

And  tow'rd  Germania  drive  his  conquering  way, 

Frown  o'er  the  Chriftian  Powers,  with  haughty  air, 

And  teach  the  nations  how  to  lead  the  war. 

There  powerful  Leo  rifes  into  fight, 

And,  generous,  calls  the  finer  arts  to  light; 

New  walls  and  ftruclures  throng  the  Latian  fhorc 

The  Pencil  triumphs  and  the  Mufes  foar. 


BOOK        IV.  135 

Snatch'd  from  the  ground,  where  Gothic  rage  had  trod. 
And  monks  and  prelates  held  their  drear  abode, 
The  Roman  ftatues  rife  ;  and  wake  to  view 
The  fame  bold  tafte  their  ancient  glory  knew. 

O'er  the  dark  world  Erafmus  cads  his  eye; 
In  fchoolmen's  lore  fees  kings  and  nations  lie ; 
With  ftrength  of  judgement  and  with  fancy  warm, 
Derides  their  follies,  and  diffolvcs  the  charm, 
Draws  the  deep  veil,  that  bigot  zeal  has  thrown 
O'er  pagan  books,  and  fcience  long  unknown, 
From  faith  of  pageant  rites  relieves  mankind, 
And  feats  bold  virtue  in  the  confcious  mind. 
But  (till  the  daring  tafk,  to  brave  alone 
The  rifing  vengeance  of  the  Papal  throne, 
Retrains  his  toil :  he  gives  the  conteft  o'er,  [Power. 
And  leaves  his  hardier  fons  to  dare  the    threatening 

Thus  taught  the  Seer  ;   Columbus  turn'd  his  view* 
Where  round  the  regions  other  wonders  drew; 
Saw  in  the  north  a  daring  fage  afcend, 
And  o'er  his  form  a  fable  robe  depend ; 
The  Cowl  conceal'd  his  eye ;  his  fearlefs  head, 
Like  morning  mift,  a  hovering  cloud  o'erfpread ; 
Above  the  gloom,  defcending  luftre  beams, 
And  ftieaks  the  concave  with  cerulean  ftreams. 
Sudden  the  burfting  cloud  expands  in  light, 
And  heaven  unfolding  fills  his  raptured  fight. 
His  changing  robes  in  golden  fplendor  blaze. 
Around  his  head  a  ilarry  rainbow  plays ; 


itf  B    O    O    K        IV. 

,  High  in  his  hand  a  beam  of  glory  burns, 
And  realms  furrounding  brighten  as  it  turns. 

When  thus  the  Power  -,  Thefe happier  vifions  trace 
The  deftirted  joys  that  wait  the  rifing  race. 
Great  Luther  moves  in  that  majeftic  frame, 
Fair  light,  of  heaven,  and  child  of  deathlefs  fame; 
Born,  like  thy felf,  thro'  toils  and  griefs  to  wind, 
From  .{loth  and  flavery  free  the  captive  mind, 
Brave  adverfe  Powers,  controul  the  Papal  fway, 
And  bring. benighted  nations  into  day. 
The  beam  of  glory,  lifted  in  his  hand, 
Is  Heaven's  own  word  that  jfhines  on  every  land; 
By  his  bold  pen,  in  modern  ftyle  difplay'd, 
From  the  glad  world,  it  drives  the  myftic  fhade. 
See  the  long  crouds,  his  fame  around  him  brings, 
Schools,  fynods,  .prelates,  potentates  and  kings  ; 
All  gaining  knowledge  from  his  boundlefs  ftore, 
:K  Andjoin'd  to  fhield  him  from  the  rage  of  power. 

;*\  FirPc  of  ihe  train,  fee  Frederic's  princely  form 

•  .:        Ward  from  the  fage  divine  the  gathering  ftorm  ; 

Xn  learned  Wittemburgh  fecure  his  feat, 
4         Where  arts  and  virtues  find  a  bled  retreat. 

Railed  bv  his  voice,  glad  pupils  round  him  Hand, 

Affi.ft  his  toils  and  fpread  to  every  land. 

There. moves  Melanchton,  mild  as  morning  light, 

And  rage  and  ftrife  are/bften'd  in  his  fight ; 

In  terms  fo  gentle  flows  his  tuneful  tongue, 

Ev'n  cloifter'd  bigots  join  the  liftening  throng  i 


BOOK         IV.  137 

By  foes  and  infidels  he  lives  approved, 

By  monarchs  courted  and  by  heaven  beloved. 

With  ftern  deport,  o'er  all  the  circling  band, 

See  Ofiander  lift  his  waving  hand  ; 

On  Others'  faults  he  cads  a  haughty  frown, 

Nor  their's  will  pardon  nor  perceive  his  own; 

A  heart  fincere  his  open  looks  unfold, 

In  virtue  faithful,  and  in  action  bold. 

And  lo,  where  Europe's  utmoft  limits  bend, 
From  this  mild  fource  what  various  joys  defcend  ! 
A  larger  policy  pervades  the  whole, 
And  civil  rights  infpire  the  free-born  foul. 
See  haughty  Henry,  from  the  Papal  tie, 
His  realms  difmember,  and  the  Power  defy ; 
While  Albion's  fonsdifdain  a  foreign  throne, 
And  bravely  bound  the  oppreflion  of  his  own. 

Another  fcene  ftill  marks  the  important  age, 
And  hardier  toils  adventurous  thrcn^s  engage. 

O  DO 

There  ftarts  fierce  Loyola,  an  unknown  name, 
By  paths  unfeen  to  reach  the  goal  of  fame  ; 
Thro'  courts  and  camps,  by  lecret  fkill,  to  wind; 
To  mine  whole  dates  and  over-reach  mankind. 
The  tafk  begins  ;  behold  an  artful  race, 
Range  thro'  the  world,  and  every  fed:  embrace, 
Their  creeds,  their  powers,  their  policjes  explore, 
And  lead  an  intercourfe  from  fhore  to  fnore. 
See  the  full  throngs,  in  every  diftant  land, 
Embrace  the  caufe  and  fwell  the  wide  command : 

S 


i3&  BOOK        VL 

In  towering  pride,  afcending  to  the  fkies, 
Their  growing  fanes  and  feats  of  fcience  rife  a 
A  new-form'd  empire  gains  a  fudden  birth, 
Built  in  ail  empires  o'er  the  peopled  earth. 
Led,  by  thy  followers,  to  the  weilern  day, 
In  happier  climes,  Jbehold  their  fovereign  fway, 
Where  Paraguay's  mild  nations  fmile  in  peace, 
And  generous  arts  and  facial  joys  increafe. 

Thus  ail  the  tribes  of  men,  beneath  thy  view, 
Enlarge  their  walks  and  nobler  toils  purfue, 
Unwonted  deeds,  in  rival  greatnefs,  fhine, 
Call'd  into  life  and  nrfl  infpired  by  thine. 
So,  while  imperial  Homer  tunes  the  lyre, 
The  living  lays  unnumber'd  bards  infpire, 
From  realm  to  realm,  the  kindling  fpirit  flies, 
Sounds  thro'  the  earth  and  echoes  to  the  fides. 

Now  move,  in  rapid  hafte,  the  years  of  time, 
When,  borne  afar  from  this  enlighten'd  clime, 
Thy  brighter  fans  ill  all  croud  the  weftern  main, 
And  northern  empires  bloom  beneath  their  reign, 
To  fpeed  their  courfc,  tht  leaders  of  the  age, 
By  error  darkened  and  religious  rage, 
Bid  Perfecution  whelm  in  kindred  blood, 
The  walls  of  peace,  and  temples  of  their  God  : 
Millions  of  martyr'd  heroes  mount  the  pyre, 
And  blind  devotion  lights  the  facred  fire. 
Led  by  the  dark  inquifitors  of  Spain, 
See  Defolation  mark  her  dreary  reign  ; 


BOOK        IV,  139 

See  Jews  and  Moors,  that  croud  the  fatal  ftrand, 
Roll  in  the  flames,  or  flee  the  hated  land. 
See,  arm'd  with  power,  the  fame  tribunal  rife, 
Where  haplefs  Belgia's  fruitful  circuit  lies  ; 
What  wreaths  of  fmoke  roll  heavy  round  thcfhore  ! 
What  fhrines  and  altars  (low  with  ehfiftian  gore  ! 
What  difmal  (bricks  !  what  agonizing  cries ! 
What  prayers  are  wafted  to' the  liitening  Ikies  ! 
Where  the  flames  open,  lo  !  their  arms,  in  vain, 
Reach  out  for  help,  diftorted  with  the  pain  ! 
Till,  folded  in  the  fires,  they  difappear, 
And  not  a  found  invades  the  ftartled  ear. 
See  Philip,  throned  in  infolenceand  pride, 
Enjoy  their  wailings  and  their  pangs  deride  ; 
While,  feattering  death  round  Albion's  crimfon  ides, 
O'er  the  fame  fcenes,  his  cruel  confort  fmiles. 
Amid  the  flrife,  a  likedeftruction  reigns, 
With  wider  fweep,  o'er  Gallia's  fatal  plains ; 
See  factious  nobles  pour  the  flaughtering  tide, 
Grim  death  unites  whom  facred  creeds  divide  ; 
Each  dreadful  victor  bids  the  flames  arife, 
And  waft  a  thoufand  murders  to  the  ikies. 

Now  ceafe  the  factions,  with  the  Valoife  line,    . 
And  the  great  Bourbon's  liberal  virtues  fliine  -y 
Quell'd  by  his  voice,  the  furious  feels  accord, 
And  diftant  empires  tremble  at  his  (word. 
See,  fmiling  Albion  views,  with  glad  furprife, 
A  rival  reign,  in  blefl:  Eliza,  rife  5 


140  BOOK        IV. 

O'er  Belgia's  plains  while  daring  leaders  foar. 
And  brave  the  vengeance  of  the  Iberian  povier. 

Now  from  all  coafrs,  where  fhaded  plains  extend. 
See  the  bent  forefts  to  the  main  defcend. 
From  Albion's  frrand,  behold  the  navies  heave, 
Stretch  in  a  line  and  thunder  o'er  the  wave  ; 
There  toils  brave  RulTel,  mafter  of  the  main, 
And  moves  in  triumph  o'er  the  pride  of  Spain. 

The  Seraph  fpokc  j  when  fair  beneath  their  eye, 
A  new-form'd  fquadron  rofe  along  the  fky  1 
High  on  the  tailed  deck,  majeftic  fhone 
Great  Raleigh,  pointing  tow'rd  the  weftern  fun  ; 
His  eye,  bent  forward,  ardent   and  fublime, 
Seem'd  piercing  nature  and  evolving  time  ; 
Befide  him  flood  a  globe,  whofe  figures  traced 
A  future  empire  in  each  wilcler'd  wafre ; 
All  former  works  of  men  behind   him  fhone, 
Graved  by  his  hand  in  ever- during  ftone  f 
On  his  mild  brow,  a  various  crown  difplays 
The  hero's  laurel  and  the  fcholar's  bays  5 
His  graceful  limbs  in  freely  mail  were  drefr, 
The  bright  frar  burning  on  his  manly   breaft  ; 
His  fword  high-beaming,  like  a  waving  fpire, 
Illumed  the.fhrouds  and  fiain'd  the  folar  fire  5 
The  fmiling  crew  rofe  refolute  and  brave, 
And  the  glad  fails  hung  bounding  o'er  the  wave. 

Far  on  the  main,  they  held  their  rapid  flight, 
And  weftern  ccafrs  faiute  their  longing  fight  : 

COD 


BOOK        IV.  141 

Glad  Chefapeake  unfolds  a  pafTage  wide, 

And  leads  their  dreamers  up  the  frefhening  tide ; 

Where  a  mild  region  and  delightful  foil 

And  groves  and  dreams  allure  the  fteps  of  toil. 

Here,  lodged  in  peace,  they  tread  the  welcome  land, 

An  inftar.t  harveft  waves  beneath  their  hand, 

Spontaneous  fruits  their  eafy  cares  beguile, 

And  opening  fields  in  living  culture  fmile. 

With  joy  Columbus  vievv'd  j  when  thus  his  voice, 
Ye  beauteous  fhores,  and  generous  hods,  rejoice. 
Here  dretch  the  water'd  plains  and  midland  tide, 
And  nature  blooms  in  all  her  virgin  pride ; 
The  years  advance,  by  Heaven's  bled  arm  unroll'd, 
When  the  deep  wilds  their  promifed  change  behold. 
Be  thou,  my  Seer,  the  people's  guardian  friend, 
Protect  their  virtues  and  their  lives  defend  -, 
May  wealth  and  grandeur,  with  their  arts,  unfold. 
Yet  fave,  oh,  fave  them  from  the  third  of  gold. 
May  the  poor  natives,  round  the  guardlefs  climes, 
Ne'er  feel  their  rage  nor  groan  beneath  their  crimes  ; 
But  learn  the  various  blefiings,  that  extend, 
Where  civil  rights  and  focial  virtues  blend  ; 
In  thefe  brave  leaders  find  a  welcome  guide, 
And  rear  their  fanes  and  empires  by  their  fide. 
Smile,  happy  region,  fmile  ;  the  dar  of  morn 
Illumes  thy  heavens,  and  bids  thy  day  be  born  ; 
Thy  opening  foreds  fhow  the  work  begun, 
Thy  plains,  unfhaded,  drink  a  purer  fun  ; 


142  BOOK        IV. 

Unwonted  navies  on  .thy  currents  glide, 
And  happier  treafures  waft  on  every  tide  ; 
Yield  now  thy  bounties,  load  the  diftant  main ; 
Give  birth  to  nations  and  begin  thy  reign. 

The  hero  fpoke  ;  when  thus  the  Power  rejoin'd, 
Approved  his  joy,  and  Hill  enlarged  his  mind  : 
To  thy  warm  wifh,  beneath  thefe  opening  fkies, 
The  pride  of  earth-born  empires  foon  fhall  rife. 
My  powerful  arm,  to  which  the  talk  was  given, 
On  this  fair  globe  to  work  the  will  of  Heaven  ; 
To  rear  the  mountain,  fpread  the  fubj eel:  plain, 
Lead  the  long  dream  and  roll  the  billowy  main, 
In  every  clime  prepared  the  feats  of  ftate, 
Defign'd  their  limits  and  prefcribed  their  date. 
To  meet  thefe  tides,  I  ftretch'd  the  level  ilrand, 
Heaved  the  green  banks  and  taught  the  groves  to  (land, 
Strow'd  the  wild  fruitage,  gave  the  beads  their  place, 
And  form'd  the  region  for  thy  kindred  race. 

In  elder  years,  when  flrft  the  watery  round, 
And  meeting  4ands  their  blending  borders  found  ; 
Back  to  thofe  diftant  hills,  that  range  fuplime, 
From  yon  deep  gulph,  thro'  all  the  northern  clime, 
The  Atlantic  wave  it's  coral  kingdoms  fpread, 
And  fcaly  nations  here  their  gambols  led. 
By  flow  degrees,  thro'  foliawing  years  of  time, 
I  bared  thefe  realms*  and  raifed  the  extended  clime  ; 

*  Among  the  various  mutations,   which  appear  to  have  taken 
place  in  different  parts  of  the  earth,  the  formation  of  the  coaft  oi 


BOOK        IV.  143 

As,  from  retiring  Teas,  the  rifing  fand 
Stole  into  light  and  gently  drew  to  land. 

Moved  by  the  winds,  that  fweep  the  flaming  zone, 
The  waves  roll  weftward  with  the  conftant  fun, 
Meet  the  firm  Ifthmus,  fcoop  that  gulphy  bed, 
Wheel  tow'rd  thenorth,and  here  their  currents  fpreao*: 
Thofe  ravaged  banks,  that  move  beneath  their  force, 
Borne  on  the  tide  and  left  along  the  courfe, 
Have  form'd  this  beauteous  fhore  by  Heaven  defign'd* 
The  happieft  empire  that  awaits  mankind. 

Think  not  the  luft  of  gold  fhall  here  annoy, 
Enflave  the  nations  and  the  race  deftroy. 
No  flaming  mine  thefe  lengthening  hills  enclofe, 
No  ruby  ripens  and  no  diamond  glows  ; 
But  richer  (lores  and  rocks  of  ufeful  mouldy 
Repay,  in  wealth,  the  penury  of  gold. 
Freedom's  unconquer'd  fons,  with  healthy  toil, 
Shall  lop  the  grove  and  warm  the  furrow'd  foil, 

^orth-  America  by  the  gulph  ftream,  is  one  of  the  mod  remarkable. 
Hie  rifing  of  fand-banks,  which  are  perpetually  increafmg  along 
he  fliores  of  Virginia  and  the  Carolinas — the  layers  of  fea-ihells 
md  pieces  of  wood,  which  are  found  at  the  depth  of  forty  or  fifty 
'eet  below  the  furface,  at  the  dillance  of  a  hundred  miles  from  the 
ea,  in  the  middle  and  fouthern  States — the  level  and  uniform  ap- 
pearance of  the  country,  from  New-jerfey  to  Eaft-Florida — and  the 
/a.8.  cavity  which  appears  to  have  been  feooped  out  of  the  earth,  to 
Era  the  gulph  of  Mexico,  are  circumitances  which  eftablifh  the 
ibove  as  an  undoubted  fact.  It  is  evident,  that,  not  only  the  ifland 
:>f  Newfoundland,  Cape-Cod,  Sec.  but  the  greater  part  of  the 
fettled  country,  from  the  river  Delaware  to  Cape  St.  Auguftinc,  h 
an  accretion  of  earth  worn  off  from  the  Ifthmus  of  Darien,  by  that 
ftrong  current  of  water  which  follows  the  trade  winds  ;  and,  meet- 
ing the  obftrucYion  of  the  Ifthmus,  takes  a  northern  direction  and 
fweeps  the  coalt,  as  far  as  the  river  St.  Laurence. 


144  BOOK         IV. 

From  iron  ridges  break  the  rugged  ore, 
Smooth  the  pale  marble*  fpire  the  bending  fhore  $ 
While  fails  and  towers  and  temples  round  them  heave,' 
Shine  o'er  the  realms  and  fhade  the  diftant  wave. 
Nor  think  the  native  tribes,  thefe  wilds  that  trace, 
A~foe  fhall  find  in  this  exalted  race  ; 
In  fouls  like  theirs,  no  mean,  ungenerous  aim 
Can  fhade  their  glories  with  the  deeds  of  fhame  ; 
Nor  low  deceit,  weak  mortals  to  enfnare, 
Nor  bigot  zeal  to  urge  the  barbarous  war  ; 
Nor  haughty  pomp  of  power,  nof  Spaniih  pride* 
To  ravage  realms  and  nature's  laws  deride. 
From  eaftern  tyrants  driven,  and  nobly  brave, 
To  build  new  dates,  or  feek  a  diftant  grave, 
Thy  generous  fons,  with  proffer'd  leagues  of  peace,- 
Approach  thefe  climes,  and  hail  the  favage  race  , 
Pay  the  jufc  purchafe  for  the  uncultured  fhore, 
Diffufe  their  arts  and  fhare  the  friendly  power; 
While  the  dark  tribes  in  focial  aid  combine, 
Exchange  their  treafures  and  their  joys  refine. 

O'er  Europe's  wilds,  when  frrft  the  nations  fpready 
The  pride  of  conqueft  every  legion  led. 
Each  powerful  chief,  by  fervile  crouds  adored, 
O'er  conquer'd  realms  afTumed  the  name  of  lord, 
Built  the  proud  caftle,  ranged  the  favage  wood, 
Fired  his  grim  hoft  to  frequent  fields  of  blood, 
With  new-made  honours  lured  his  fubje££  bands, 
Pxice  of  their  lives,  and  purchafe  of  their  lands ; 


BOOK        IV.  145 

For  names  and  titles,  bade  the  world  refign 
Their  faith,  their  freedom  and  their  rights  divine. 

Thus  haughty  baronies  their  terrors  fpread, 
And  flavery  follow'd  where  the  ftandard  led  ; 
Till,  little  tyrants  by  the  great  o'erthrown, 
Contending  nobles  give  the  regal  crown  ; 
Wealth,  wifdom,  virtue,  every  claim  of  man 
Unguarded  fall  to  form  the  finiih'd  plan  : 
Ambitious  cares,  that  nature  never  gave, 
Warm  the  ftarved  peafant,  fire  the  fceptred  Have  ; 
Thro'  all  degrees,  in  gradual  pomp,  afcend, 
Honour,  the  name,  and  tyranny,  the  end. 

But  nobler  honours  here  the  breaft  inflame  ; 
Sublimer  views  and  deeds  of  happier  fame  •> 
A  new  creation  waits  the  weftern  fhore, 
And  reafon  triumphs  o'er  the  pride  of  power. 
As  the  glad  coaft,  by  Heaven's  lupreme  command, 
Won  from  the  wave,  prefents  a  new-form'd  land  ; 
Yields  richer  fruits  and  fpreads  a  kinder  foil, 
And  pays  with  greater  (lores  the  hand  of  toil  ; 
So,  call'd  from  flavifh  climes,  a  bolder  race, 
With  ftatelier  ftep,  thefe  fair  abodes  mail  trace  * 
Their  freeborn  fouls,  with  genius  unconnned, 
Nor  (loth  can  poifon,  nor  a  tyrant  bind  -y 
With  felf-wrought  fame  and  worth  internal  bleftj 
No  venal  (tar  (hall  brighten  on  the  breaft  -} 
No  king-created  name  or  courtly  art 
Damp  the  bold  thought,  or  fway  the  changing  heart, 

T 


1 46  BOOK         IV. 

Above  all  fraud,  beyond  all  titles  great, 

Heaven  in  their  foul  and  fceptres  at  their  feet. 

The  fires  of  unborn  nations  move  fublime, 

Look  empires  thro'  and  pierce  the  veil  of  time, 

The  fair  foundations  form,  and  lead  afar 

The  palm  of  peace  or  fcourge  of  barbarous  war. 

Their  following  fons  the  godlike  toil  behold, 

In  freedom's  caufe,  unconquerably  bold, 

Complete  the  toils,  difplay  their  glories  round, 

Domeftic  ftates  and  diftant  empires  bound, 

Brave  the  dread  powers,  that  eaftern  monarchs  boafl, 

Explore  all  climes,  enlighten  every  coait  5 

Till  arts  and  laws,  in  one  great  fyftem  bind, 

By  leagues  of  peace,  the  labours  of  mankind. 

But  flow  proceeds  the  plan.     Long  toils  remain, 
Ere  thy  bleft  children  can  begin  their  reign. 
That  daring  leader,  whofe  exalted  foul 
Pervades  all  fcenes  that  unborn  realms  unroll, 
Muft yield  the  palm;  and,  at  a  courtier's  fhrine, 
His  fame,  his  freedom  and  his  life  refign. 
That  feeble  train,  the  lonely  wilds  who  tread, 
Their  fire,  their  genius  in  their  Raleigh  dead, 
Shall  pine  and  perifh  in  the  frowning  gloom, 
Or  mount  the  wave  and  feek  their  ancient  home. 
Succeeding  hofts  the  daring  tafk  purfue, 
The  dangers  brave  and  all  the  flrife  renew ; 
But  vain  the  toil ;  while  void  of  wealth  and  power, 
Their  fleets  to  furnifh  and  their  claims  fecurej 


BOOK        IV.  I47 

While  kings  and  courtiers  ftill  neglect  the  plan, 
The  (laves  of  eafe  and  enemies  of  man. 

Till  noble  Del'ware,  with  his  venturous  train, 
In  ftrength  and  fortune,  hails  the  fair  domain, 
Divides  his  bounties,  aids  the  patriot  caufe, 
Begins  the  culture  and  defigns  their  laws. 
Fired  with  the  great  fuccefs  the  afpiring  age 
Sees  greater  throngs  the  glorious  toil  engage. 
Where  the  long  ftrand  unnumber'd  flreams  divide. 
Their  rival  heroes  lead  their  naval  pride, 
Back  from  the  ports  extend  a  peaceful  fway, 
And  fpread  their  hamlets  tow'rd  the  fetting  day. 

From  yon  low  fhore,  where  Texel  meets  the  main, 
See  the  toil  navies  bear  a  venturous  train  ; 
See,  fcourged  by  bigot  rage  from  Albion's  coafr, 
The  noble  Baltimore  collcft  his  hoft, 
In  queft  of  freedom  feek  a  happier  land, 
And  fhield  and  cheriili  his  illuftrious  band  ; 
While  heaven-taught  Penn  fublimely  towers  along, 
And  ardent  crouds  beneath  his  ftandard  throng  j 
See,  by  his  fide,  a  future  city  plann'd, 
A  code  of  ftatutes  folded  in  his  hand  ; 
Progreflive  years  and  ages,   as  they  rife, 
Unroll  their  fcenes  and  open  to  his  eyes. 
See,  from  grim  Laud,  a  perfecuted  band 
Mount  the  bold  bark  and  flee  the  fatal  ftrahd  ; 
Virtue's  unconquer'd,  venerable  train, 
Whom  tyrants  prefs  and  waves  oppofe  in  vain  ; 


i4S  BOOK        IV. 

While  faith  and  freedom  fpread  a  nobler  charm* 
And  toils  and  dangers  every  bofom  warm. 
Fee  other  hods  and  chiefs,  in  bright  array, 
Full  pinions  crouding  on  the  watery  way  -, 
Ail  from  their  different  fhores,  their  fails  unfurl'd. 
Point  their  glad  ftreamers  to  the  weitern  world. 


THE 


VISION    of    COLUMBUS 


BOOK    V. 


ARGUMENT. 

Vifion  confined  to  North  America.  Prcgrefs  ofthejet- 
tlements.  General  invafion  of  the  natives.  Their 
defeat.  Settlement  of  Canada.  Invafion  ef  the 
French.  Braddock's  defeat.  Wafhingtonjaves  the 
Englijh  army.  Aclions  of  Abercrombie,  Amherft  and 
Wolfe.  Peace.  Darknefs  over/hades  the  continent. 
Apprehenfions  of  Columbus  from  that  appearance. 
Cauje  explained.  Cloud  burfts  away  in  the  centre. 
View  of  Congrefs.  Invafion  of  the  Englijh.  Con- 
flagration of  towns,  from  Falm outh  to  Norfolk .  Bat- 
tle of  Bunker-hill,  viezved  through  thefmoke.  Ame- 
rican army  ajfembles.  Speech  of  WafhingtGn.  Ac- 
tions ayid  death  of  Montgomery.  Aclions  of  W afh- 
ington.     Approach  and  capture  ofBurgoyne. 


The    VISION     of     COLUMBUS, 
BOOK    V. 


VJOLUMBUS  hail'd  them  with  a  father's  fmile, 
Fruits  of  his  cares  and  children  of  his  toil  ; 
With  tears  of  joy,  while  Hill  his  eyes  defcried 
Their  courfe  adventurous  o'er  the  diftant  tide. 
Thus,  when  o'er  deluged  earth  her  Seraph  flood, 
The  toft  ark  bounding  on  the  fhorelefs  flood, 
The  facred  treafure  claim'd  his  guardian  view, 
While  climes  unnoticed  in  the  wave  withdrew. 

He  faw  the  fquadrons  reach  the  rifing  ftrand, 
Leap  from  the  wave  and  fhare  the  joyous  land  ; 
Receding  forefts  yield  the  heroes  room, 
And  opening  wilds  with  fields  and  gardens  bloom. 
FilFd  with  the  glance  extatic,  all  his  foul 
Now  feems  unbounded  with  the  fcene  to  roll, 
And  now,  impatient,  with  retorted  eye, 
Perceives  his  ftation  in  another  fky. 

Waft  me,  O  winged  Angel,  waft  me  o'er, 
With  thole  blefl  heroes,  to  the  happy  fhore  ; 
There  let  me  live  and  die — but  all  appears 
A  fleeting  vifion  ;  thefe  are  future  years. 


152  B    O    O    K        V. 


Yet  grant  in  nearer  view  the  climes  may  fpread; 
And  my  glad  Heps  may  feem  their  walks  to  tread  j 
While  eaflern  coafls  and  kingdoms,  wrapp'd  in  nighty 
Arife  no  more  to  intercept  the  fight. 

The  hero  fpoke  -,  the  Angel's  powerful  hand 
Moves  brightening  o'er  the  vifionary  land  ; 
The  height,  that  bore  them,  ftill  fublimer  grew, 
And  earth's  whole  circuit  fettled  from  their  view  : 
A  duiky  Deep,  ferene  as  breathlefs  even, 
Seem'd  vaulting  downward,  like  another  heaven  ; 
The  fun,  rejoicing  on  his  wefbern  way, 
Stamp'd  his  fair  image  in  the  inverted  day  : 
Sudden,  the  northern  fhores  again  drew  nigh, 
And  life  and  action  fill'd  the  hero's  eye. 
Where  the  dread  Laurence  breaks  his  pafifage  wide, 
Where  MiiTifippi's  milder  currents  glide, 
VvThere  midland  realms  their  fweHing  mountainsheave, 
And  Hope  their  champaigns  to  thediftant  wave, 
On  the  green  banks,  and  o'er  the  extended  plain, 
Rife  into  fight  the  happieft  walks  of  man. 
The  placid  ports,  that  break  the  billowing  gales, 
Rear  their  tall  mads  and  ftretch  their  whitening  fails; 
The  harvefts  wave,  the  groves  with  fruitage  bend, 
And  bulwarks  heave,  and  fpiry  domes  afcend  ; 
Fair  works  of  peace  in  growing  fplendor  rife, 
And  grateful  earth  repays  the  bounteous  ikies. 
Till  war,  invades  ;  when  opening  vales  difclofe, 
In  moving  crouds,  the  favage  tribes  of  foes  ; 


BOOK     ;  V. 


U3 


High  tufted  quills  their  painted  foreheads  prefs, 
Dark  fpoils  of  beafts  their  fhaggy  fhoulders  drefs. 
The  bow  bent  forward,  for  the  combat  ft  rung, 
The  ax,  the  quiver  on  the  girdle  hung  -, 
The  deep,  difcordant  yells  convulfe  the  air. 
And  the  wild  wafte  refounds  approaching  war. 

The  hero  look'd ;  and  every  darken'd  height 
Pours  down  the  dufky  fquadrons  to  the  light. 
Where  Kennebec's  high  fource  forfakes  the  iky, 
Where  deep  Champlain's  extended  waters  lie, 
Where  the  bold  Hudfon  leads  his  fhadowy  tide, 
Where  Kaatfkill-heights  the  azure  vault  divide, 
Where  the  dim  Allesanies  range  fublime, 
And  give  their  ftreams  to  every  diftant  clime, 
The  fwarms  defcended,  like  an  evening  fhade, 
And  wolves  and  vultures  follow'd  where  they  fpread. 
Thus  when  a  ftorm,  on  eaftern  pinions  driven, 
Meets  the  firm  Andes  in  themidft  of  heaven, 
The  clouds  convulfe,  thetQrrents  pour  amain, 
And  the  black  waters  fweep  the  fubjecT:  plain. 

Thro'  cultured  fields,  the  bloody  myriads  fpread, 
Sack  the  lone  village,  ftrow  the  ftreets  with  dead  ; 
The  flames  afpire,  the  fmoky  volumes  rife, 
And  fhrieks  and  fhouts  redouble  round  the  ikies  -, 
Fair  babes  and  matrons  in  their  domes  expire, 
Or  burn:  their  paffage  thro'  the  folding  fire  ; 
O'er  woods  and  plains,  promifcuous  rave  along 
The  yelling  victors  and  the  driven  throng  ; 

U 


154  BOOK         V, 

The  ftreams  run  purple  -,  all  the  extended  fhore 
Is  wrapp'd  in  flames  and  trod  with  fteps  of  gore. 
Till  numerous  hofts,  collecting  from  afar, 
Exalt  the  ftandard  and  oppofe  the  war. 
Point  their  loud  thunders  on  the  fhouting  foe, 
And  brave  the  ihafced  terrors  of  the  bow. 
When,  like  a  broken  wave,  the  favage  train 
Lead  back  the  flight  and  fcatter  o'er  the  plain, 
Slay  their  weak  captives,  leave  their  ihafts  in  hafte, 
Forget  their  fpoils  and  fcour  the  diftant  wafte. 
As,  when  the  morning  fun  begins  his  way, 
The  fhadows  vanifh  where  he  gives  the  day  ; 
So  the  dark  tribes,  from  brighter  regions   hurl'd, 
Sweepo'er  the  heights  and  lakes,  far  thro'  the  wilder'd 

Now  move  in  nobler  pomp  the  toils  of  peace[world. 
New.  temples  rife  and  fplendid  towers  increafe. 
He  law,  where  Perm  his  peaceful  thoufands  led, 
A  fp reading  town  bright  Dei' ware's  waves  o'erfhade  > 
The  crofling  (beets  in  fair  proportion  run, 
The  walls  and  pavements  fparkle  to  the  fun. 
Lake  that  famed  city,  rofe  the  beauteous  plan, 
W hofe  fpacious  bounds  Semiramis  began  -, 
Long  ages  flnifh'd  what  her  hand  defign'd, 
The  pride  of  kings  and  wonder  of  mankind. 

Where  labouring  Hudfon's  glaiTy  current  flrays, 
York's  glowing  walls  their  fplendid  turrets  raife  j 
Albania  rifing  in  her  midland  pride, 
Rolls  her , rich  treafures  on  his  lengthening  tide  ; 


BOOK        V.  Wss 

Fair  in  her  circling  dreams  bled  Newport  laves, 
And  Bodon  opens  o'er  the  fubje£t  waves  -, 
Onfouthern  iliores,  where  happier  currents  glide, 
The  banks  bloom  gay,  and  cities  grace  their  fide  ; 
Like  morning  clouds,  that  tinge  their  fkirtswith  gold, 
Bright  Charledon's  roofs  and  fparkling  fpires  unfold. 

Thro' each  extended  realm,   inwifdom  great, 
Rofe  the  dread  fires,  that  claim  the  cares  of  Hate  -, 
Long  robes  of  pured  white  their  forms  embrace, 
Their  better  hands  imperial  fceptres  grace, 
Their  left  the  laws,  that  fhining  leaves  infold, 
Where  rights  and  charters  flame  in  figured  gold. 

High  on  a  feat,  that  opening  crouds  difclofe, 
Bled  Baltimore,  from  toils  and  dangers,  rofe  j 
The  facred  Crofs,  before  his  kindling  eyes, 
From  foes  defended,  and  of  peace  the  prize, 
Waves  o'er  the  hod  ;  who  catch  the  liberal  flame. 
Partake  the  freedom  and  extend  the  fame. 
With  port  majeftic,  rifing  to  his  throne, 
Immortal  Penn,  in  rival  ludre  flione, 
Difpenfing  jufcice  to  the  train  below, 
Peace  in  his  voice  and  firmnefs  on  his    brow. 
Another  croud  fees  generous  Belcher  (land, 
And  gains  new  glory  from  his  liberal  hand  ± 
He  aids  the  toil,  and  (till  exalts  ihe  plan, 
Patron  of  fcience,  liberty  and  man. 
With  fteady  fcep,  bold  Winthrop  towers  along, 
Waves  the  bright  wand  and  cheers  the  noble  throng; 


£6  B     O     O     K        V. 

Beneath  his  firm,  unalterable  fway, 
Fair  Virtue  reigns,  and  grateful  realms  obey, 
While  other  forms,  the  rifing  ftates  around, 
By  v/ifdom  graced,  with  equal  honours  crown'd, 
Trail  the  long  robe,  extend  the  fceptred  hand, 
Drive  guilt  and  flavery  from  the  joyous  land, 
Bid  arts  and  culture,  wealth  and  wifdom  rife, 
Friends  of  mankind  and  favourites  of  the  fkies. 

Up  the  wild  ftreams,  that  bound  the  hero's  view* 
Great  Gallia's  fons  their  weftern  courfe  purfue  ; 
On  fertile  banks  fair  towns  and  villas  role, 
That  dared  the  vengeance  of  furrounding  foes. 
Here  cold  Canadia  round  her  Laurence  fpread, 
And  raifed  her  cities  o'er  his  watery  glade  ; 
There  Louifiana's  happier  borders  run, 
Spread  fairer  lawns  and  feel  a  purer  fun  -, 
While  the  glad  lakes  and  broad  Ohio's  dream 
Seem  finding  confcious  of  approaching  fame. 

Now  larger  barks  purfue  their  rapid  courfe, 
Unite  their  labours  and  extend  their  force  : 
Beneath  their  lifted  fails,  arife  in  fight 
White  flags  difplay'd  and  armies  robed  in  white; 
Through  the  deep  midland  wafte,  they  ftream  afar, 
And  threat  weak  realms  with  defolating  war. 
WThere  proud  Quebec  exalts  her  rocky  feat, 
They  range  their  camp  and  fpread  the  frowning  fleer. 
Lead  conquering  legions,  weftern  wilds  to  brave, 
Raife  lone  Ofwae;o  o'er  the  untraverfed  wave  j 


o" 


_- 


B     O     O     K        V.  157 

While  other  fquadrons  tempt  another  flood, 
And  dark  Ohio  fwelis  beneath  the  load. 

When,  fierce,  from  Albion's  coaft,  a  warlike  train 
Moves  o'er  the  Tea,  and  treads  the  dufky  plain  j 
Swift  to  their  aid,  from  all  the  crouded  ftrand, 
Rife,  bright  in  arms,  the  wide  colonial  band  ; 
They  join  their  force  ;  and,  tow'rd  the  falling  day, 
The  fame  bold  banners  lead  their  dreadful  way  $ 
O'er  Allagany-heights,  like  dreams  of  fire, 
The  red  flags  wave  and  glittering  arms  afpire  ; 
Beyond  the  hills,  where,  o'er  the  lonely  flood, 
A  hoftile  fortrefs  fpreads  its  bounds  abroad, 
They  bend  the  venturous  march  ;    the  hoft  within 
Behold  their  danger,  and  the  ftrife  begin. 
From  the  full  burfting  gates,  the  fweeping  train 
Pour  forth  the  war  and  hide  the  founding  plain  ; 
The  oppofing  fquadrons,  ranged  in  order  bright, 
Wait  the  dire  ihock  and  kindle  for  the  fight  ; 
The  batteries  blaze,  the  moving  vollies  pour, 
The  fhuddering  vales  and  echoing  mountains  roar  ; 
Clouds  of  convolving  fmoke  the  welkin  fpread, 
Shroud  the  wide  champaign,  and  the  hills  o'erfhade. 
Loft  in  the  rocking  thunder's  loud  career, 
No  fhouts  or  groans  invade  the  hero's  ear, 
Nor  val'rous  feats  are  feen,  nor  flight,  nor  fall, 
While  deep-furrounding  darknefs  buries  all. 

Till,  driv'n  by  rifing  winds,  the  clouds  withdrew, 
And  oped  the  fpreading  (laughter  to  his  view  ■> 


158  BOOK        V, 

He  faw  the  Britifh  leader,  borne  afar, 
In  duft  and  gore  beyond  the  wings  of  war ; 
Saw  the  long  ranks  of  foes  his  hoft  furround, 
His  chiefs  confufed,  his  fquadrons  prefs  the  ground  s 
As,  hemm'd  on  every  fide,  the  trembling  train 
Nor  dare  the  fight,  nor  can  they  flee  the  plain. 
But,  while  conflicting  tumult  thinn'd  the  hoft, 
Their  flags,, their  arms  in  wild  confufion  toft, 
Bold  in  the  midft  a  blooming  warrior  ftrode, 
And  tower'd  undaunted  o'er  the  field  of  blood, 
In  defperate  toils  with  rifing  vengeance  burn'd, 
And  the  pale  fquadrons  brighten'd  where  he  turn'd, 
As,  when  thick  vapors  veil  the  evening  fky, 
And  ftarry  hofts,  in  half-feen  luftre  fly, 
Bright  Hefper  fhines  o'er  all  the  twinkling  crcud, 
And  gives  new  fplendor  thro'  the  opening  cloud. 

Fair  on  a  firey  fteed,  fublime  he  rofe, 
Wedg'd  the  firm  files  and  eyed  the  circling  foes  ; 
Then  waved  his  gleamy  fword,  that  flafh'd  the  day, 
And,  thro'  dread  legions,  hew'd  the  rapid  way, 
His  hofts  roll  forward,  like  an  angry  flood, 
Sweep  ranks  away  and  fmear  their  paths  in  blood  ; 
The  hovering  foes  purfue  the  ftrife  afar, 
And  fhower  their  balls  along  the  flying  war  ; 
When  the  brave  leader  turns  his  fweeping  force, 
Points  the  flight  forward — fpeeds  his  backwapdcourfe; 
The  foes  fly  fcattering  where  his  arm  is  wheel'd, 
And  his  firm  train  treads  fafely  o'er  the  field. 


B     O     O     K        V.  159 

While  thefe  fierce  toils  the  penfive  chief  defcried, 
With  anxious  thought  he  thus  addrefs'd  the  guide  : 
Thefe  numerous  throngs,  in  robes  of  white  array 'd, 
From  Gallia's  fhores  the  peaceful  bounds  invade, 
And  there  Britannia's  ftandard  waves  fublime, 
In  crimfon  pomp  to  fhield  the  friendly  clime. 
Why  here,  in  vengeance,  roll  the  furious  bands  ? 
And  flrow  their  corfes  o'er  thefe  pathlefs  lands  ? 
Can  Europe's  realms,  the  feat  of  endlefs  ftrife, 
Afford  no  trophies  for  the  wafte  of  life  ? 
Can  monarchs  there  no  proud  applaufes  gain  ? 
No  living  laurel  for  their  fubjecls  flain  ? 
NorBelgia's  plains  fo  fertile  made  with  gore, 
Hide  heroes'  bones  nor  feaft  the  vultures  more  ? 
Danube  and  Rhine  no  more  their  currents  flain, 
Nor  fweep  the  flaughter'd  myriads  to  the  main  ? 
That  infant  empires  here  the  rage  muft  feel, 
And  thefe  pure  ftreams  with  foreign  carnage  fwell. 
But  who  the  chief,  that  clofed  in  firm  array 
The  baffled  legions  and  reflcred  the  day  ? 
There  fhines,  in  veteran  fkill  and  youthful  charms, 
The  boaft  of  nature  and  the  pride  of  arms. 

The  Power  replied  ;  In  each  fucccfflve  age, 
Their  different  views  thy  varying  race  engage. 
Here  roll  the  year?,  when  Albion's  generous  hod. 
Leagued  with  thy  children,  guard  the  invaded  coall ; 
That  infant  ftates  their  veteran  force  may  train, 
And  nobler  toils  in  later  fields  iuftain  j 


i6d  B     O     O     K        V. 

When  future  foes  fuperior  banners  wave, 
The  realms  to  ravage  and  the  race  enflave. 
Here  toils  brave  Albion  with  the  fons  of  Gauls 
Here  haplefs  Braddock  finds  his  deftined  fall ; 
Thy  greateft  fori,  in  that  young  martial  frame. 
From  yon  loft  field  begins  a  life  of  fame. 
Tis  he,  in  future  ftrife  and  darker  days, 
Defponding  ftates  to  fovereign  rule  (hall  raife5 
When  the  weak  empire,  in  his  arm,  mall  find 
The  fword,  the  fhield,  the  bulwark  of  mankind. 

The  Seraph  (poke;  when  thro'  the  purpled  air, 
The  northern  fquadrons  fpread  the  flames  of  war : 
O'er  dim  Champlain,  and  thro'  furrounding  groves* 
Rafh  Abercrcmbie,  mid  his  thoufands,  moves 
To  fierce  unequal  ftrife  ;  the  batteries  roar, 
Shield  the  grim  foes  and  rake  the  banner'd  fhore  3 
His  fainting  troops  the  dreadful  conteft  yielg', 
And  heaps  of  carnage  ftrow  the  fatal  field. 

While  glorious  Amherft  on  a  diftant  ifle, 
Leads  a  bold  legion,  and  renews  the  toil  ; 
High  flame  the  fhips,  the  billows,  fwell  with  gore, 
And  the  red  ftandarci  (hades  the  conquer'd  fhore. 

And  lo,  aBritifh  hoft,  unbounded  fpread, 
O'er  fealike  Laurence,  calls  a  moving  fnade  ; 
On  leflfening  tides,  they  hold  their  fearlefs  flight, 
Till  rocky  walls  falute  their  longing  fight. 
They  tread  the  fhore,  the  arduous  conflict  claim, 
Rife  the  tall  mountain,  like  a  rolling;  flame, 


B     O     O-K        V.  161 

Stretch  their  wide  wings  in  circling  onfet  far, 
And  move  to  right,  as  clouds  of  heaven  at  war. 
The  fmoke  falls  folding  thro'  the  downward  iky, 
And  fhrouds  the  mountain  from  the  hero's  eye  ; 
While  on  the  burning  top,  in  open  day, 
The  flaming  fwords,  in  fiery  arches,  play. 
As  on  a  ridgy  ftorm,  in  terrors  driven, 
The  forky  flames  curl  round  the  vault  of  heaven, 
The  thunders  break,  the  buriting  torrents  flow, 
And  flood  the  air,  and  whelm  the  hills  below ; 
Or,  as  on  plains  of  light,  when  Michael  (trove, 
And  fwords  of  Cherubim  to  combat  move  -, 
Ten  thoufand  fiery  forms  together  play, 
And  flam  new  lightning  on  empyreal  day. 

Long  raged  promifcuous  combat,  half  conceal'd  >, 
When  fudden  parle  fufpended  all  the  field ; 
Thick  groans  fucceed,  the  cloud  forfakes  the  plain, 
And  the  high  hill  is  topp'd  with  heaps  of  flain. 
Now,  proud  in  air,  the  conquering  ftandard  waved, 
And  fhouting  hods  proclaim'd  a  country  faved ; 
While,  calm  and  filent,  where  the  ranks  retire, 
He  faw  brave  Wolfe,  in  pride  of  youth,  expire. 
So  the  pale  moon,  when  morning  beams  arife, 
Veils  her  lone  vifage  in  the  filent  fkies ; 
Required  no  more  to  drive  the  fhades  away, 
Nor  waits  to  view  the  glories  of  the  day. 

Again  the  towns  afpire,  the  cultured  field 
And  blooming  vale  their  copious  treafures  yield ; 

X' 


i6i  BOO     K.         V. 

The  grateful  hind  his  cheerful  labour  proves, 
And  fongs  of  triumph  fill  the  warbling  groves  -x 
The  confcious  flocks,  returning  joys  that  fhare, 
Spread  thro*  the  midland,  o'er  the  walks  of  war: 
When,  borne  on  eaftern  winds,  dark  vapors  rife, 
And  fail  and  lengthen  round  the  weftern  fkies ; 
Veil  all  the  vifion  from  his  anxious  fight, 
And  wrap  the  climes  in  univerfal  night. 

The  hero  grieved,  and  thus  befought  the  Power  : 
Why  finks  the  fcene  ?  or  muft  I  view  no  more  ? 
Muft  here  the  fame  of  that  fair  world  defcend  ? 
And  my  brave  children  find  fo  foon  their  end  ? 
Where  then  the  word  of  Heaven,  Mine  eyes  mould  fee 
That  half  mankind  mould  owe  their  blifs  to  me  ? 

The  Power  replied ;  Ere  long,  in  happier  view, 
The  realms  mall  brighten,  and  thy  joys  renew. 
The  years  advance,  when  round  the  thronging  more, 
They  rife  confufed  to  change  the  fource  of  power  ; 
When  Albion's  Prince,  that  fway'd  the  happy  land, 
Shall  ftretch,  to  lawlefs  rule,  the  fovereign  hand  ; 
To  bind  in  flavery's  chains  the  peaceful  hod, 
Their  rights  unguarded  and  their  charters  loft. 
Now  raife  thine  eye ;  from  this  delufive  claim, 
What  glorious  deeds  adorn  their  growing  fame  ! 

Columbus  look'd  j  and  ftill  around  them  fpread, 
From  fouth  to  north,  the  immeafurable  made  > 
At  lad,  the  central  fhadows  burft  away, 
And  rifing  regions  open'd  on  the  day. 


BOOK        V.  163 

He  faw,  once  more,  bright  Del'ware's  filver  ftream 
And  Penn's  throng'd  city  call  a  cheerful  gleam ; 
The  dome  of  (late,  that  met  his  eager  eye, 
Now  heaved  its  arches  in  a  loftier  fky  -, 
The  burfting  gates  unfold  ;  and  lo,  within, 
A  folemn  train,  in  confcious  glory,  fhine. 
The  well-known  forms  his  eye  had  traced  before, 
In  different  realms  along  the  extended  fhore ; 
Here,  graced  with  nobler  fame,  and  robed  in  flate, 
They  look'd  and  moved  magnificently  great. 
High  on  the  foremoft  feat,  in  living  light, 
Majeftic  Randolph  caught  the  hero's  fight : 
Fair  on  his  head,  the  civic  crown  was  placed, 
And  the  firit  dignity  his  fceptre  graced. 
He  opes  the  caufe,  and  points  in  profpect  far, 
Thro'  all  the  toils  that  wait  the  impending  war- 
But,  haplefs  fage,  thy  reign  mud  foon  be  o'er, 
To  lend  thy  luftre  and  to  fhine  no  more. 
So  the  bright  morning  ftar,  from  fhades  of  even, 
Leads  up  the  dawn,  and  lights  the  front  of  heaven, 
Points  to  the  waking  world  the  fun's  broad  way, 
Then  veils  his  own  and  fhines  above  the  day. 
And  fee  great  Wafhington  behind  thee  rife, 
Thy  following  fun,  to  gild  our  morning  ikies ; 
O'er  fhadowy  climes  to  pour  the  enlivening  flame, 
The  charms  of  freedom  and  the  fire  of  fame. 
The  afcending  chief  adorn'd  his  fplendid  feat, 
Like  Randolph,  enfign'd  with  a  crown  of  flate  ; 


i64  B     O     O     K        V. 

Where  the  green  patriot  bay  beheld,  with  pride, 

The  hero's  laurel  fpringing  by  its  fide ; 

His  fword  hung  ufelefs,  on  his  graceful  thigh, 

On  Britain  ftill  he  caft  a  filial  eye; 

But  fovereign  fortitude  his  vifage  bore, 

To  meet  their  legions  on  the  invaded  fhore. 

Sage  Franklin  next  arofe,  in  awful  mein, 
And  fmikd,  unruffledj  o'er  the  approaching  fcene  5 
High  on  his  locks  of  age  a  wreath  was  braced, 
Palm  of  all  arts,  that  e're  a  mortal  graced; 
Beneath  him  lies  the  fceptre  kings  have  borne, 
And  crowns  and  laurels  from  their  temples  torn. 
Nafh,  Rutledge,  JefFerfon,  in  council  great, 
And  Jay  and  Laurens  oped  the  rolls  of  fate  ; 
The  Livingftons,  fair  Freedom's  generous  band, 
The  Lees,  the  Houilons,  fathers  of  the  land, 
O'er  climes  and  kingdoms  turn'd  their  ardent  eyes, 
Bade  all  the  opprefs'd  to  fpeedy  vengeance  rife ; 
All  powers  of  irate,  in  their  extended  plan, 
Rife  from  confent  to  fhield  the  rights  of  man. 
Bold  Wolcott  urged  the  all-important  caufe ; 
With  fteady  hand  the  folemn  fcene  he  draws ; 
Undaunted  fiimnefs  with  his  wifdomjoin'd, 
Nor  kings  nor  worlds  could  warp  his  fledfaft  mind. 

Now,  graceful  rifing  from  his  purple  throne, 
.  In  radiant  robes,  immortal  Hofmer  (hone; 
Myrtles  and  bays  his  learned  temples  bound, 
The  flatefman's  wreath  the  poet's  garland  crown'd, 


B     O     O     K        V.  165 

Morals  and  laws  expand  his  liberal  foul, 
Beam  from  his  eyes  and  in  his  accents  roll. 
But  lo,  an  unfeen  hand  the  curtain  drew, 
And  fnatch'd  the  patriot  from  the  hero's  view ; 
Wrapp'd  in  the  fhroud  of  death,   he  fees  deicend 
The  guide  of  nations  and  the  Mufcs'  friend. 
Columbus  dropp'd  a  tear ;  the  Angel's  eye 
Traced  the  freed  fpirit  mounting  thro'  the  fky. 

Adams,  enraged,  a  broken  charter  bore, 
And  lawlefs  acts  of  minifterial  power ; 
Some  injured  right,  in  each  loofe  leaf  appears, 
A  king  in  terrors  and  a  land  in  tears ; 
From  all  the  guileful  plots  the  veil  he  drew, 
With  eye  retortive  look'd  creation  thro', 
Oped  the  wide  range  of  nature's  boundlefs  plan, 
Traced  all  the  fleps  of  liberty  and  man  j 
Crouds  rofe  to  vengeance  while  his  accents  rung, 
And  Independence  thunder'd  from  his  tongue. 

The  hero  turn'd.     And  tow'rd  the  crouded  coaft, 
Rofe  on  the  wave  a  wide-extended  hoft, 
They  made  the  main  and  fpiead  their  fails  abroad, 
From  the  wide  Laurence  to  the  Georgian  flood, 
Point  their  black  batteries  to  the  approaching  ihore, 
And  burfting  flames  begin  the  hideous  roar. 

Where  guardlefs  Falmouth,  looking  o'er  the  bay, 
Beheld,  unmoved,  the  ftormy  thunders  play, 
The  fire  begins  ;   the  (hells  o'er-arching  fly, 
And  fhoot  a  thouiand  rainbows  thro*  the  fky ; 


166  B     O     O     K        V. 

On  Charleftown  fpires,  on  Briftol  roofs,  they  light, 
Groton  and  Fairfield  kindle  from  the  flight, 
Pair  Kingfton  burns,  and  York's  delightful  fanes, 
And  beauteous  Norfolk  lights  the  neighbouring  plains; 
From  realm  to  realm,  the  fmoky  volumes  bend, 
Reach  round  the  bays  and  up  the  flreams  extend ; 
Deep  o'er  the  concave  heavy  wreaths  are  roll'd, 
And  midland  towns  and  diftant  groves  infold. 
Thro*  the  dark  curls  of  fmoke  the  winged  fires 
Climb  in  tall  pyramids,  above  the  fpires  ; 
Cinders,  high-failing,  kindle  heaven  around, 
And  falling  ftru£tures  Hiake  the  fmouldering  ground. 
Now,  where  the  fheeted  flames  thro'  Charleftown  roar 
And  laming  waves  hifs  round  the  burning  more, 
Thro*  the  deep  folding  fires,  a  neighbouring  height 
Thunders  o'er  all  and  feems  a  field  of  fieht. 
Like  fnadowy  phantoms  in  an  evening  grove. 
To  the  dark  ilrife  the  clofing  fquadrons  move  ; 
They  join,  they  break,  they  thicken  thro' the  air, 
And  blazing  batteries  burft  along  the  war ; 
Now,  wrapp'd  in  reddening  fmoke,  now  dim  in  fight, 
They  fweep  the  hill  or  wing  the  downward  flight ; 
Here,  wheel'd  and  wedg'd,  whole  ranks  together  turn, 
And  the  long  lightnings  from  their  pieces  burn, 
There,  fcattering  flafhes  light  the  fcanty  train, 
And  broken  fquadrons  tread  the  moving  plain, 
Britons  in  frefh  battalions  rife  the  height, 
And,  with  increafing  vollies,  give  the  fight. 


BOOK        V.  167 

Till,  fmear'd  with  clouds  of  dud,  and  bath'd  in  gore, 
As  growing  foes  their  raifed  artillery  pour, 
Columbia's  hofts  move  o'er  the  fields  afar, 
And  fave,  by  flow  retreat,  the  fad  remains  of  war. 
There  ftrides  bold  Putnam,  and  from  all  the  plains, 
Calls  the  tired  hoft,  the  tardy  rear  fuftains, 
And,  mid  the  whizzing  deaths  that  fill  the  air, 
Waves  back  his  fword  and  dares  the  following  war. 

Thro'  falling  fires,  Columbus  fees  remain 
Half  of  each  hoft  in  heaps  promifcuous  (lain  ■, 
While  dying  crouds  the  lingering  life-blood  pour, 
And  flippery  fteeps  are  trod  with  prints  of  gore. 
There,  haplefs  Warren,  thy  cold  earth  was  feen, 
There  ipring  thy  laurels  in  immortal  green  ■, 
Deareft  of  chiefs,  that  ever  prefs'd  the  plain, 
In  Freedom's  caufe,  with  early  honours,  (lain, 
Still  dear  in  death,  as  when  in  fight  you  moved, 
By  hofts  applauded  and  by  Heaven  approved  ; 
The  faithful  Mufe  fhall  tell  the  world  thy  fame, 
And  unborn  realms  refound  the  immortal  name. 

Now,  from  all  plains,  as  fmoky  wreaths  decay, 
Unnumber'd  fhapes  flare  forward  to  the  affray  ; 
Tall,  thro'  the  leffening  fhadows,  half  conceaPd, 
They  glide  and  gather  in  a  central  field  ±   [they  ftand, 
There,  ftretch'd  immenfe,  like  lengthening  groves 
Eye  the  dark  foe  and  eager  flrife  demand. 

High  in  the  frowning  front,  exalted  fhone 
A  hero,  pointing  tow'rd  the  half- feen  fun  5 


168  BOOK        V. 

As,  thro'  the  mid  the  burfting  fplendors  glow, 

And  light  the  pafTage  to  the  diftant  foe ; 

His  waving  fteel  returns  the  living  day, 

Clears  the  broad  plains  and  marks  the  warrior's  way  $ 

The  long,  deep  fquadrons  range  in  order  bright, 

And  move  impatient  for  the  promifed  fight. 

When  great  Columbus  faw  the  chief  arife, 
And  his  bold  blade  caft  lightning  on  the  fkics, 
He  traced  the  form  that  met  his  view  before, 
On  drear  Ohio's  defolaced  more. 
Matured  with  years,  with  nobler  glory  warm* 
Fate  in  his  eye,  and  vengeance  on  his  arm, 
The  gi-eat  Obferver  here  with  joy  beheld 
The  hero  moving  in  a  broader  Meld. 
Unnumber'd  chiefs  around  their  leader  ftandj 
Fired  by  his  voice,  and  guided  by  his  hand, 
Now  on  his  fteps  their  raptured  eye-balls  glow, 
And  now  roll  dreadful  on  the  approaching  foe. 

There  rofe  brave  Greene,  in  all  the  ftrength  of  arms. 
Unmoved  and  brightening  as  the  danger  warms  ; 
In  counfel  great,  in  every  fcience  fkill'd, 
Pride  of  the  camp  and  terror  of  the  field. 
With  eager  look,  conlpicuous  o'er  the  croud, 
The  daring  port  of  great  Montgomery  ftrode ; 
Bared  the  bright  blade,  with  honour's  call  elate, 
Claim'd  the  firft  field,  and  haften'd  to  his  fate. 
Calm  Lincoln  next,  with  unafTc&ed  rnein, 
In  dangers  daring,  active  and  ferene, 


BOOt        V.  169 

Carelefsof  pomp,  with  fteady  greatnefs  fhone, 

Sparing  of  others'  blood  and  liberal  of  his  own. 

Heath,  for  the  impending  ftrife,  his  falchion  draws ; 

And  fearlefs  Woofter  aids  the  facred  caufe. 

There  flood  (tern  Putnam,  feam'd  with  many  a  fear, 

The  veteran  honours  of  an  earlier  war  ; 

Undaunted  Stirling,  dreadful  to  his  foes,' 

And  Gates  and  Sullivan  to  vengeance  rofe; 

While  brave  McDougall,  fteady  and  fedate, 

Stretch'd  the  nerved  arm  to  ope  the  fcene  of  fate. 

Howe  moved  with  rapture  to  the  toils  of  fame, 

And  Schuyler  ftill  adorn'd  an  honour'd  name  ■, 

Parfons  and  Small  wood  lead  their  daring  bands, 

And  bold  St.  Clair  in  front  of  thoufands  ftands. 

There  gallant  Knox  his  moving  engines  brings, 

Mounted  and  graved,  *  the  loft  rejort  of  kings  ; 

The  long,  black  rows  in  dreadful  order  wait, 

Their  grim  jaws  gaping  foon  to  utter  fate  ; 

When,  at  his  word,  the  red-wing'd  clouds  mall  rife. 

And  the  deep  thunders  rock  the  fhores  and  fkies. 

Beneath  a  waving  fword,  in  blooming  prime, 

Fayette  moves  graceful,  ardent  and  fublime  -, 

In  foreign  guife,  in  freedom's  noble  caufe, 

His  untried  blade  the  youthful  hero  draws ; 

On  the  great  chief  his  eyes  in  tranfpor:  roll, 

And  fame  and  Wafhington  infpire  his  foul. 

*  Ultima  ratio  regum  ;  a  device  of  Louis  XIV.   engraved  on  his 
)rdnance. 


17?  BOOK 


Steuben  advanced,  in  veteran  armour  dreli, 
The  noble  enftgn  beaming  on  his  bread  j 
From  rank  to  rank,  in  eager  hafte,  he  flew, 
And  marfhall'd  hofts  in  dread  arrangement  drew* 
Morris,  in  aid,  with  open  coffers  Hood, 
And  Wadfworth,  patron  of  the  brave  and  good. 
While  other  chiefs  and  heirs  of  deathlefs  fame 
Rife  into  fight,  and  equal  honours  claim; 
But  who  can  tell  the  dew-drops  of  the  morn  ? 
Or  count  the  rays  that  in  the  diamond  burn  ? 

Now,  the  broad  field  as  gathering  fquadrons  fliade, 
The  fun's  glad  beam  their  fhining  ranks  difplay'd; 
The  glorious  leader  waved  his  glittering  fteel, 
Bade  the  long  train  in  circling  order  wheel  > 
And  while  the  banner'd  hofts  around  him  roll, 
Thus  into  thoufands  fpeaks  the  warrior's  foul  a 

Ye  patriot  chiefs,  and  every  daring  band, 
That  lift  the  fteel  or  tread  the  invaded  ilrand, 
Behold  the  tails: !  thefe  beauteous  realms  to  fave3 
Or  yield  whole  nations  to  an  inftant  grave. 
See  the  dark  fquadrons  moving  to  the  fhore, 
Hear,  from  all  ports,  their  boafted  thunders  roar  * 
O'er  bloody  plains,  from  Charleftown-heights,  they 
O'er  far  Champlain  they  lead  their  northern  way,[ftra} 
Virginian  banks  behold  their  dreamers  glide, 
And  hoftile  navies  load  each  fcuthern  tide. 
Beneath  their  fteps  your  fmouldering  temples  lie, 
And  wreaths  of  fmoke  o'ereaft  the  reddening  Iky 


BOOK        V.  171 

With  eager  ftride  they  tempt  a  nobler  prize  ; 
Thefe  boundlefs  empires  feaft  their  envious  eyes ; 
They  fee  your  fields  to  lordly  manors  turn'd, 
Your  children  butcher d  and  your  villas  burn'd  j 
While  following  millions,  thro*  the  reign  of  time. 
That  claim  their  birth  in  this  indulgent  clime, 
Bend  the  weak  knee,  in  fervile  chains  confined  ; 
And  floth  and  ftavery  overwhelm  mankind. 

Rife  then  to  war,  to  noble  vengeance  rife, 
Ere  the  grey  fire,  the  helplefs  infant  dies  -, 
Look  thro'  the  world,  where  endlefs  years  defcend, 
What  realms,  what  ages  on  your  arms  depend  ! 
Reverfe  the  fate,  avenge  the  infulted  fky ; 
Move  to  the  ftrife,  we  conquer  or  we  die. 

While  thus  he  fpoke,  the  furious  files  advance, 
And  fiercer  lightnings  o'er  the  champaign  dance. 
At  once,  the  different  fkirts  are  wheel'd,  afar, 
In  different  realms,  to  meet  thediftant  war. 

With  his  dread  hoft,  Montgomery  ifiues  forth, 
And  Jights  his  pafTage  thro'  the  dufky  north  ; 
O'er  dreams  and  lakes  his  conquering  banners  play, 
Navies  and  forts,  furrendering,  mark  his  way; 
Thro*  defert  wilds,  o'er  rocks  and  fens,  they  go, 
And  hills  before  them,  lofe  their  craggs  in  fnow  -, 
Unbounded  toils  they  brave  -,  when  rife  in  fight 
Quebec's  dread  walls,  and  Wolfe's  ftill  dreary  height ; 
They  climb  the  fleep,  he  eyes  the  turrets  round, 
With  piked  hofts  and  dark  artillery  crown'd, 


[72  B    O     O     K        V. 

The  daring  onfet  points  -,  and,  high  in  air, 
O'er  rocky  ramparts  leads  the  dreadful  war. 
As  wreaths  of  morning  mid  afcend  on  high 
Up  the  tall  mountain's  fide,  and  reach  the  iky, 
So  rofe  the  rapid  hoft  ;  the  walls  are  red 
With  flaming  flames ;  down  roll  the  heaps  of  dead ; 
Now  back  recoil  the  ranks,  o'er  fquadrons  (lain, 
And  leave  their  leader,  with  a  fcanty  train, 
Clofed  in  the  circling  terrors  of  the  wall, 
Where  round  his  arm  the  hoftile  legions  fall. 
Through  the  wide  flreets,  collecting  from  afar, 
The  foes  in  fhouting  fquadrons  urged  the  war ; 
The  fmoke  convolved,  the  thunders  rock'd  around^ 
And  the  brave  hero  preft  the  gorey  ground. 
Another  Wolfe  Columbus  here  beheld, 
In  youthful  charms,  a  foul  undaunted  yield  ; 
But  loft,  o'erpower'd,  his  hardy  hoft  remains, 
Stretch'd  by  his  fide,  or  led  in  captive  chains. 
Now  the  bright  Angel  turn'd  the  hero's  eye, 
In  other  realms,  where  other  ftandards  fly; 
Where  the  great  leader,  mid  furrounding  foes, 
Still  greater  rifes,  as  the  danger  grows  $ 
And  wearied  ranks,  o'er  weltering  warriors  (lain, 
Attend  his  courfe  thro'  many  a  crimlbn'd  plain. 
From  Hudfon's  banks,  along  the  dreary  ftrand, 
He  guards  in  firm  retreat,  his  feeble  band ; 
While  countlefs  foes,  with  Britifli  Howe  advance;, 
Bend  o'er  his  rear  and  point  the  lifted  lance  5 


B     O     O     K        V.  173 

O'er  Del'ware's  frozen  wave,  with  fcanty  force, 
He  lifcs  the  fword  and  points  the  backward  courfe, 
Wings  the  dire  vengeance  on  the  fhouting  train, 
And  leads  whole  fquadrons  in  the  captive  chain  ; 
Where  vaunting  foes  to  half  their  numbers  yield, 
Tread  back  the  flight,  or  prefs  the  fatal  field. 
While,  mid  the  furious  ftrife,  brave  Mercer  ilrode, 
And  feal'd  the  victory  with  his  ftreaming  blood. 

Now,  where  dread  Laurence  mingles  with  the  main, 
Rofe,  on  the  widening  wave,  a  hoftile  train  : 
From  more  to  more,  along  the  unfolding  ikies, 
Beneath  full  fails,  the  approaching  fquadrons  rife ; 
High  waving  on  the  right,  red  banners  dance, 
And  Britifh  legions  o'er  the  decks  advance; 
While  at  their  fide  an  azure  flag,  difplay'd, 
Leads  a  long  hoft,  in  German  robes  array'd. 
Tall  on  the  boldeft  bark,  fuperior  fhone 
A  warrior,  enfign'd  with  a  various  crown  ; 
Myrtles  and  laurels  equal  honours  join'd, 
Which  arms  had  purchafed  and  the  Mufes  twined  j 
His  fword  waved  forward,  and  his  ardent  eye 
Seem'd  maring  empires  in  the  fouthern  fky. 
Befide  him  rofe  a  herald,  to  proclaim 
His  various  honours,  titles,  feats  and  fame ; 
Who  raifed  an  opening  fcroll,  where  proudly  fhone 
Pardon  to  realms  and  nations  yet  unknown, 

Champlain  receives  the  congregated  hoft, 
And  his  dark  waves,  beneath  the  fails,  are  loft ; 


?74  b    o    O    K       y. 

St.  Clair  beholds ;  and,  with  his  fcanty  train, 
in  firm  retreat,  o'er  many  a  fatal  plain,  [foree, 

Lures  their  wild  march. — Wide  moves  their  furious 
Where  flaming  hamlets  mark  their  wafting  courfe  -, 
Thro'  pathlefs  realms  their  fpreading  ranks  are  wheel'd 
O'er  Mohawk's  weftern  wave  and  Bennington's  dread 
Till,  where  deep  Hudfon's  winding  waters  ftray,  [field. 
A  yeoman  hoft  oppofed  their  rapid  way  ; 
There  on  a  towery  height  brave  Gates  arofe, 
Waved  the  blue  fleel  and  dared  the  headlong  foes ; 
Undaunted  Lincoln,  moving  at  his  fide,         [wide  j 
Urged  the  dread  ftrife,    and   fpread    the   fquadrons 
Now  roll,  like  winged  ftorms,  the  lengthening  lines, 
The  clarion  thunders  and  the  battle  joins ; 
Thick  flames,  in  yollied  flames,  fill  the  air, 
And  echoing  mountains  give  the  noife  of  war  ; 
The  clouds  rife  reddening,  round  the  dreadful  height^ 
And  veil  the  fkies  and  wrap  the  founding  fight. 
Now,  in  the  fkirt  of  night,  where  thoufands  toil, 
Ranks  roll  away  and  into  light  recoil ; 
The  rout  increafes,  all  the  Britifh  train 
Tread  back  their  fteps  and  fcatter  o'er  the  plain  ; 
To  the  glad  holds  precipitate  retire, 
And  wide  behind  them  dreams  the  flafhing  fire. 

Scarce  moved  the  fmokc  above  the  gorey  height, 
And  oped  the  daughter  to  the  hero's  fight  j 
Back  to  their  fate,  when  baffled  fquadrons  flew, 
Refumed  their  rage  and  pour'd  the  flrife  anew, 


, 


BOOK        V.  275 

Again  the  batteries  roar,  the  lightnings  play, 
Again  they  fall,  again  they  roll  away. 
And  now  Columbia,  circling  round  the  field, 
Points  her  full  force,  the  trembling  thoufands  yield/ 
When  bold  Burgoyne,  in  one  difaftrous  day, 
Sees  future  crowns  and  former  wreaths  decay ; 
While  two  illuftrious  armies  fhade  the  plain, 
The  mighty  victors  and  the  captive  train, 


THE 


VISION    of    COLUMBUS, 


BOOK    VI. 


ARGUMENT. 

Co  aft  of  France  rijes  in  vifion.  Character  andfpeech  of 
Louis.  Spain,  Holland,  the  northern  Powers,  Ger- 
many, Ireland,  varioufly  affecled  by  the  affairs  of  A- 
merle  a.  Battle  of  Monmouth.  Ac!  ions  of  Lincoln. 
Movements  of  Cornwallis.  Progrefs  of  Greene. 
French  and  American  armies  move  toward  Virginia. 
Naval  aclion  of  Be  Grajfe  and  Graves*  Capture  of 
Cornwallis. 


The    VISION     of     COLUMBUS, 
BOOK    VI. 


X  HUS  view'd  the  fage.  When,  lo,  in  eaftern  Ikies, 
From  glooms  unfolding,  Gallia's  coafts  arife. 
Bright  o'er  the  fcenes  of  (late,  a  golden  throne, 
Inftarr'd  with  gems  and  hung  with  purple,  fhone. 
Great  Louis  there,  the  pride  of  monarchs,  fate, 
And  fleets  and  moving  armies  round  him  wait  ; 
O'er  weiiern  fhores  extend  his  ardent  eyes, 
Thro'  glorious  toils  where  ftruggling  nations  rife ; 
Each  virtuous  deed,  each  new  illuftrious  name, 
Wakes  in  his  foul  the  living  light  of  fame. 
He  fees  the  liberal,  univerfal  caufe, 
That  wondering  worlds  in  flill  attention  draws  ; 
And  marks,  beyond,  through  weftern  walks  of  day. 
Where  midnight  funs  their  happier  beams  difplay, 
What  fires  of  unborn  nations  claim  their  birth, 
And  alk  their  empires  in  that  wafte  of  earth. 

Then  o'er  the  eaftern  world  he  turn'd  his  eye ; 
Where,  funk  in  (lavery  haplefs  kingdoms  lie; 
Saw  realms  exhaufted  to  enrich  a  throne, 
Their  fruits  untafted  and  their  rights  unknown  : 


180  BOOK        VI. 

A  tear  of  pity  fpoke  his  melting  mind- 
He  raifed  his  fceptre  to  relieve  mankind, 
Eyed  the  great  father  of  the  Bourbon  name, 
Awaked  his  virtues  and  recall'd  his  fame. 

Fired  by  the  grandeur  of  the  fplendid  throne, 
Illuftrious  chiefs  and  councils  round  him  fhone  ; 
On  the  glad  youth  with  kindling  joy  they  gaze, 
The  rifing  heir  of  univerfal  praife. 
Vergennes  rofe  itately  o'er  the  noble  throng, 
And  fates  of  nations  on  his  accents  hung ; 
Columbia's  wrongs  his  indignation  fired, 
And  generous  thoughts  his  glowing  bread  inipired  ; 
To  aid  her  infant  toils  his  counfel  moved, 
In  freedom  founded  and  by  Heaven  approved. 
While  other  peers,  in  facred  virtue  bold, 
With  eager  voice  the  coming  fcenes  unfold  ; 
Surrounding  heroes  wait  the  monarch's  word, 
In  foreign  fields  to  draw  the  glittering  fword, 
Prepared  with  joy  to  trace  the  diftant  main, 
Mix  in  the  flrife  and  join  the  martial  train  ; 
Who  now  afiert  the  rights  of  fovereign  power, 
And  build  new  empires  on  the  weftern  more. 

O'er  all,  the  approving  monarch  call  a  look, 
And  liftening  nations  trembled  while  he  fpoke. 
Ye  irates  of  France,  and,  ye  of  rifing  name, 
That  work  thofe  diftant  miracles  of  fame, 
Hear  and  attend  ;  let  Heaven  the  witnefs  bear, 
We  lift  the  fword,  we  aid  the  righteous  war. 


BOOK         VI.  181 

Let  leagues  eternal  bind  each  friendly  land, 
Given  by  our  voice,  and  'ftablinYd  by  our  hand  -3 
Let  yon  extenfive  empire  fix  her  fway, 
And  fpread  her  bleflings  with  the  bounds  of  day\ 
Yet  know,  ye  nations,  hear,  ye  Powers  above, 
Our  purpofed  aid  no  views  of conqueft  move  j 
In  that  vaft  world,  revives  no  ancient  claim 
Of  regions  peopled  by  the  Gallic  name  ; 
Our  envied  bounds,  already  ftretch'd  afar, 
>Ior  afk  the  fword,  nor  fear  the  rage  of  war ; 
kit  Virtue,  ftruggling  with  the  vengeful  Power, 
T\iat  (tains  yon  fieldj  and  defolates  that  Ihore, 
VMth  nature's  foes  bids  former  compact  ceafe ; 
Wtwar  reluctant,  and  cur  wifli  is  peace  ; 
To  iu  fieri  ng  nations  be  the  fuccour  given, 
The  caufe  of  nations  is  the  caufe  of  Heaven. 

He  fpoke  ;  the  moving  armies  fhade  the  plain, 
A\d  bold  D'Eftaing  rode  bounding  on  the  main; 
O-r  lands  and  feas,  the  loud  applaufes  rung, 
Aru  War  and  Union  dwelt  on  every  tongue. 

Aid  now  Columbus,  tow'rd  his  favourite  fky, 
Saw  ails  and  ftores  and  chiefs  and  armies  fly  -, 
Thro  clouds  of  fmoke,    and  ftain'd  with  dreaming 
Contending  navies  fpread  their  wings  abroad,  [blood, 
Europe,  from  all  her  fhores,  approves  the  fight, 
Ind  balanced  empires  wait  the  finifh'd  fight. 

Now  circling  far,  above  the  labouring  main, 
kfe  into  view  the  extended  coafts  of  Spain  ; 


182  BOO     K        VI. 

He  faw  bold  barks  their  warlike  engines  wield, 
New  fquadrons  courfing  round  thebanner'd  field; 
Where  Gallic  ftreamers  o'er  the  main  advance, 
TheHifpanian  flags  in  wonted  union  dance; 
Round  the  deep  gulph,  that  fair  Floridia  laves. 
In  martial  pride,  their  conquering  ftandard  waves  j 
While,  thro'  the  entrance  of  the  midland  fea, 
Encountering  fails  and  hofiiie  banners  play. 

And  now  the  level  ftrand,  extending  wide, 
That  opes  the  bufy  Texel's  loaded  tide, 
Rofe  brightening  from  the  gloom;  beneath  his -ye, 
Famed  Belgia's  temples  glitter  to  the  fky. 
Sudden,  the  afiembled  States  new  glory  warms. 
Their  mips  collect,  their  thoufands,  rum  to  arfls, 
And,  roufed  by  conquering  Rodney  to  prepare 
In  foreign  feas,  to  meet  the  fweeping  war  ; 
Lift  bolder  wings,  in  fign  of  rage,  unfurl'd, 
And  vengeance  bears  them  round  the  watery  weld. 

Where  waves  and  mountains  ikirt  the  norther,  iky, 
New  fcencs  afcending  met  the  hero's  eye. 
Increaflng  fplendors  up  the  vault  afpire, 
Like  boreal  lights,  the  midnight  heavens  tha  fire; 
And  raife  to  view  the  Baltic's  gleaming  wave 
Whofe  opening  ftreams  furrounding  cities  We. 
Fair  on  her  throne,  revolving  diflant  fate, 
Imperial  Katharine  majeftic  fate  ; 
Courts  throng  around  her,  kings  and  heroes ftand 
Receiving  fwords  and  fceptres  from  her  hand. 


BOOK        VL  *83 

She  waits  the  day,  and  bids  the  nations  reft, 
Till  that  new  empire,  fifing  in  the  well, 
Shall  fheathe  the  fword,  the  liberal  main  afcend, 
And,  join'd  with  her,  the  fcale  of  power  fufpend; 
Bid  arts  arife,  and  vengeful  factions  ceafe, 
And  commerce  lead  touniverfal  peace. 

Chriftiern,  amid  his  waves,  exalted  high, 
On  the  great  emprefs  cad  a  reverent  eye  ; 
While  Sweden's  prince  obeys  her  fovereign  word, 
And  aged  Frederic  half  affumes  his  fword. 
Where  wide  Germania's  opening  towers  arife* 
Immortal  Jofeph  lifts  his  ardent  eyes. 
High  in  a  golden  car,  he  Hands  fublime, 
Late  borne  difguifed  to  every  diftant  clime, 
The  powers,  the  policies  of  every  throne 
He  mark'd,  unnoticed,  and  by  all  unknown ; 
Now,  mid  his  fplendid  court,  his  travels  o'er, 
With  eyes  directed  tow'rd  the  weftern  fhore, 
The  monarch  learns,  from  that  illuftrious  train, 
To  fhare  with  liberal  hand  the  bounties  of  his  reign. 

Where  fair  Hibernia's  flowery  circuit  lies, 
Her  glad  fails  wave  and  gathering  armies  rife. 
Leinfter  and  Grattan  there  aflert  her  claim, 
And  raife  the  realm  to  freedom  and  to  fame. 

Thus  all  the  eaftern  world,  in  glad  amaze, 
Gaze  on  the  fcene  and  brighten  as  they  gaze  -, 
Wake  to  new  life,  aftume  a  borrow'd  flame. 
Enlarge  the  luftre  and  partake  the  fame* 


184  BOOK         VI. 

So  mounts  of  ice,  that  polar  fides  invade, 
Unheeded  ftand  beneath  the  evening  ihade  ; 
Yet,  when  the  morning  lights  their  glaring  throne, 
Give  back  the  day  and  imitate  the  fun. 

The  growing  conteft  now,  with  loud  alarms, 
FilTd  every  clime  and  roufed  the  world  to  arms. 
Where  Indian  borders  fkirt  the  orient  fkies, 
To  furious  ftrife  unwonted  myriads  rife ; 
Great  Hyder,  there,  unconquerably  bold, 
Bids  vengeance  move  and  freedom's  flag  unfold  -, 
Fires  the  wide  realms  t'  afifert  their  ancient  fway ; 
And  fcourge  fierce  Britons  from  their  lawlefs  prey. 
Round  the  rich  ifles  that  grace  the  Atlantic  tide. 
In  dread  array  the  encountering  navies  ride  ; 
Where  Albion's  treafures  yield  a  wealthier  prize, 
And  o'er  her  walls  the  Gallic  ftandards  rife. 

Still  to  frefh  toils,  o'er  all  the  weftern  fnore, 
Her  thronging  fleets  their  new  battalions  pour ; 
The  realms  unconquer'd  frill  their  terrors  wield, 
And  fLL  ..\th  mingled  gore  the  embattled  field. 
O'er  Schuylkill's  wave,  to  various  fight  they  move. 
And  adverfe  nations  equal  (laughter  prove  -, 
Till,  where  dread  Monmouth  lifts  a  bloomy  height, 
Britannia's  thoufands  met  the  Obferver's  fight. 
There  ftrode  imperious  Clinton  o'er  the  field, 
And  marfhall'd  hofts  for  ready  combat  held. 
As  the  dim  fun,  beneath  the  fkirts  of  even, 
Crimfons  the  clouds  that  fail  the  weftern  heaven  j 


6     O    O    K        VI.  tij 

So,  in  red  wavy  rowSj  where  fpread  the  train 

Of  men  and  ftandards,  fhone  the  unmeafured  plain. 

But  now  the  chief  of  heroes  moved  in  fight, 
And  the  long  ranks  roll  forward  to  the  fight ;  \ 

He  points  the  charge,  the  mounted  thunders  roar, 
And  plough  the  plain,  and  rock  the  diftant  fhore. 
Above  the  folds  of  fmoke,  that  veil'd  the  war, 
His  guiding  fword  illumed  the  fields  of  air; 
The  vollied  flames,  that  burft  along  the  plain, 
Break  the  deep  clouds  and  (how  the  piles  of  flain  j 
Till  flight  begins  3  the  fmoke  is  roll'd  away, 
And  the  red  ftandards  open  into  day. 
Britons  and  Germans  hurry  from  the  field, 
Now  wrapp'd  in  duft,  and  now  to  fight  reveal'd  j 
Behind,  great  Wafhington  his  falchion  drives, 
Thins  the  pale  ranks,  and  copious  vengeance  gives, 
Hofts  captive  bow,  and  move  behind  his  arm, 
And  hofts  before  him  wing  the  driven  ftorm ; 
When  the  glad  fhore  falutes  their  fainting  fight, 
And  thundering  navies  fcreen  their  rapid  flight. 

Thro*  plains  of  death,  that  gleam  with  hoftile  fires, 
Brave  Lincoln  now  to  fouthern  climes  retires  -, 
Where  o'er  her  ftreams  beleagured  Charlefton  rofe, 
The  hero  moves  to  meet  the  alTembled  foes. 

Shading  the  invaded  ifle,  on  either  flood, 
Red  ftandards  waved  and  winged  batteries  rode  3 
While,  braving  death  his  fcanty  hoft  remains, 
And  the  dread  ftrife  with  various  fate  fuftains* 

A  a 


186  B    O    O    K        VI. 

High  From  the  fable  decks,  the  burfting  fires 
Sweep  the  full  ftreets,  andcleavethe  glittering  fpires. 
Vaulted  witlvflying  flames,  the  burning  air 
Reddens  with  fhells  and  pours  theetherial  war; 
The  tented  plain,  where  dauntlefs  heroes  tread, 
Is  torn  with  broken  craggs  and  ftrow'd  with  dead. 
Long  crouds  of  fuppliants,  round 'the  gallant  chief, 
Raife  their  wild  cries  and  pour  theirrrantic  grief; 
Each "fhbwer  of  flames  renews  their  ftartled  woe, 
They  wall  the  ftrife,  they  dread  the  infuriate  foe 
The  articled  Fair,  while  tears  bedew  their  charms, 
Babes  at  their  fide  and  infants  in  their  arms, 
With  piercing  ihrieks  his  guardian  hand  implore, 
To  fave  them  trembling  from  the  -victor's  power. 
He  fhares  their  anguifh  with  a  moidening  eye, 
And  bids  the  balls  rain  thicker  thro'  the  fky  ; 
When  a  loft  hero,  in  a  neighbouring  poil, 
Gives  a  lone  fonrefs'to  the-approaching -hoft. 
Now  gathering  thoufands  croud  around  the  ifle, 
Threat  wider  vengeance  and  increafe  the  toil  ; 
On  temper' d  terms,  great  Lincoln  yields  the  prize, 
And  plucks  the-ftandard  from  the  faddening  Ikies. 

The  conquering  legions  now  the  champaign  tread, 
And  tow'rd  the  riorth  their  fire  and  Ilaughterfp  reads 
Thro'  towns  and  realms,  where  arming  peafants  fly, 
The  bold  Oorn'waliis  bears  hisftahdard  high  -, 
O'er  many  a  field  difplays  his  dreadful  force, 
And  thoufands  fall  and  thoufands  aid' his  courfeV 


BO     O     K        VI.  i  Sj 

While  thro'  the  conquer'd  lands,  from  every  plain/ 
The  frefh  battalions  join  his  fplendid  train. 
So  mountain  ftreams,  o'er  climes  of  melting  fnow, 
Spread  with  encreafing  waves,  and  whelm  the  world 
The  great  Columbus,  with  an  anxious  ugh,  [below. 
Saw  Britiili  enfigns  reaching  round  £he  fky, 
Saw  defolarion  whelm  his  favourite  coaft, 
His  children  fcatter'd  and  their  vigor  loft; 
De  Kalb  in  furious  combat  prefs  the  plain, 
Morgan  and  Smaliwood  various  mocks  fufrain  ; 


When  Greene,  in  lonely  greatnefs,  role  to  view, 

A  few  firm  patriots  to  his  ftandard  drew ; 

And,  moving  (lately  to  a  rifing  ground, 

Bade  the  loud  trump  to  fpeedy  vengeance  found  ; 

Fired  by  the  voice,  new  fquadrons,  from  afar, 

Croud  to  the  hero  and  demand  the  war. 

Round  all  the  fh ores  and  plains  he  turn'd  his  eye; 

Saw  forts  arife  and  .conquering  banners  fly  : 

The  faddening  fcene  fufpends  his  rifing  foul, 

And  fates  of  empires  in  his  boibm  roll. 

With  fcanty  force  where  fhould  he  lift  the  fteel  ? 

While  hoftin^  foes  immeafurably  wheel  ; 

Or  how  behold  the  boundlefs  (laughter  fpread  : 

Himfelf  ftand  idle  and  his  country  bleed  ? 

A  (llent  moment,  thus  the  .hero  flood, 
And  held  his  warriors  from  the  field  of  blood  ; 
Then  points  the  Britiili  legions  where,  to  roll, 
Marks  out  their  progrefs  and  defigns  the  whole. 


188  BOOK        VI. 

He  lures  their  chief,  o'er  yielding  realms  to  roam, 
To  build  his  greatnefs  and  to  find  his  doom  ; 
With  gain  and  grandeur  feeds  his  fatelefs  flame, 
And  leaves  the  vi&ory  to  a  nobler  name  -, 
Gives  to  great  Wafhington,  to  meet  his  way, 
Nor  claims  the  glories  of  fo  bright  a  day. 

Now  to  the  conquer'd  fputh  with  gathering  force, 
O'er  fanguine  plains  he  fhapes  his  rapid  courfe  ; 
Forts  fall  around  him  $  hofts  before  him  fly, 
And  captive  bands  his  growing  train  fupply. 
At  length,  far  fpreading  thro*  a  fatal  field, 
Collecting  chiefs  their  circling  armies  wheeFd  ; 
Near  Eutaw's  fount,  where,  long  renown'd  for  bloody 
Pillars  of  ancient  fame  in  triumph  flood, 
Britannia's  fquadrons,  ranged  in  order  bright, 
Stand,  like  a  fiery  wall,  and  wait  the  fhock  of  fight. 

When  o'er  the  diftant  hill  brave  Greene  arofe, 
Eyed  the  far  plain  and  view'd  the  glittering  foes  ; 
Difpofed  his  fquadrons,  form'd  each  folded  train. 
To  lead  the  charge,  or  the  wide  wings  fuftain, 
Roufed  all  their  rage  fuperior  force  to  prove, 
Waved  the  bright  blade,  and  bade  the  onfet  move. 
As  hovering  clouds,  when  morning  beams  arife, 
Hang  their  red  curtains  round  the  eaftern  fkies. 
Unfold  a  fpace  to  hail  the  promifed  fun, 
And  catch  their  fplendors  from  his  rifing  throne  ; 
Thus  glow'd  the  approaching  fronts,whofe  fleely  glare 
-Glanced  o'er  the  hideous  interval  of  war. 


BOOK        VI.  189 

Now  roll  with  kindling  hade  the  rapid  lines, 
From  wing  to  wing  the  founding  battle  joins  ; 
Batteries,  and  fofTes  wide,  and  ranks  of  fire, 
In  mingled  mocks,  their  thundering  blafts  expire  : 
Beneath  the  fmoke,  when  firm  advancing  bands, 
With  piked  arms  bent  forward  in  their  hands, 
In  dreadful  filence  tread.     As,  wrapp'd  from  fight, 
The  nightly  ambufh  moves  to  fecret  fight ; 
So  rum  the  raging  files,  and  fightlefs  clofe, 
In  plunging  drife,  with  fierce  conflicting  foes  ; 
They  reach,  they  ftrike,  they  druggie  o'er  the  (lain, 
Deal  heavier  blows,  and  ftrow  with  death  the  plain  ; 
Ranks  crufh  on  ranks,  with  equal  flaughter  gored, 
While  dripping  dreams,  from  every  lifted  fword, 
Stain  the  thin  carnaged  hods  ;  who  dill  maintain, 
With  mutual  fhocks,  the  vengeance  of  the  plain. 
Till,  where  brave  Williams  drove  and  Campbell  fell, 
Unwonted  ftrokes  the  Britifli  force  repel : 
The  rout  begins  -,  the  fhatter'd  wings,  afar, 
Roll  back  in  hade  and  fcatter  from  the  war  $ 
They  drop  their  arms,  they  fcour  the  marfhy  field  ; 
Whole  fquadrons  fall  and  faint  battalions  yield. 

O'er  all  the  great  Obferver  fix'd  his  eye, 
Mark'd  the  whole  drife,  beheld  them  fall  and  fly  ; 
He  faw  where  Greene  thro'  all  the  combat  drove, 
And  death  and  victory  with  his  prefence  move  s 
Beneath  his  arm,  faw  Marion  pour  the  drife^ 
Pickens  and  Sumner,  prodigal  of  life; 


190  BOOK        VI. 

He  faw  young  Wafliington,  the  child  of  fame, 
Preferve  in  fight  the  honours  of  his  name  ; 
Brave  Lee,  in  pride  of  youth,  and  veteran  might 
Swept  the  dread  field,  and  put  whole  troops  to  flight; 
While  numerous  chiefs,  that  equal  trophies  raife 
Wrought,  not  unfeen,  the  deeds  of  deathlefs  praife. 

Columbus  now  his  gallant  fons  beheld 
In  triumph  move  thro'  many  a  banner'd  field  ; 
When  o'er  the  main,  from  Gallia's  crouded  fhore, 
To  the  glad  ftrife  a  heft  of  heroes  pour. 
On  the  tall  (haded  decks  the  leaders  (land, 
View  leflening  waves  and  hail  the  approaching  ftrand* 
Brave  Rochambeau,  in  gleamy  fxeel  array'd, 
The  afcending  fcenes  with  eag?r joy  furvey'd  ; 
Saw  Wafhington,  amid  his  thoufands,  ftride, 
And  long'd  to  toil  and  conquer  by  his  fide. 
Great  Chaftelleux,  with  philofophic  vfewx 
Mark'd  the  glad  prize  that  rifmg  realms  purfue  j 
Intent  in  thought,  his  glowing  bofom  wrarms, 
To  grace  the  walks  of  fcienceand  of  arms. 
Two  brother  chiefs,  in  rival  luftre,  rofe, 
Rear'd  the  long  lance,  and  claim'd  the  field  of  foes  ; 
The  bold  Viominils,  of  equal  fame, 
And  eager  both  t'  exalt  the  noble  name. 
Lauzon,  beneath  his  fail,  in  armour  bright 
Frown'd  o'er  the  wave,  impatient  for  the  fight ; 
A  fiery  deed  befide  the  hero  flood, 
And  his  broad  blade  waved  forward  o'er  the  croud. 


BOOK        VI.  191 

And  now,  with  eager  hade,  they  tread  the  coaft  ; 
Thro'  grateful  regions  lead  the  veteran  holt  ; 
Hail  the  great  chief,  beneath  his  banners  join, 
Demand  the  foe  and  bid  the  ft  rife  begin. 

Again  Columbus  caft  his  anxious  eye, 
Where  the  red  ftandard  waved  along  the  fky  ; 
And,  graced  with  fpoils  of  many  a  field  of  bloody 
The  bold  Cornwallis  on  a  bulwark  ftood. 
O'er  conquer'd  provinces  and  towns  in  flame, 
He  mark'd  his  recent  monuments  of  fame, 
High  raifed  in  air,  his  hands  fecurely  hold, 
With  confcious  pride,  a  fheet  of  cypher'd  gold  ; 
There,  in  delufive  hafte,  his  (kill  had  graved 
A  clime  fubdued,  a  flag  in  triumph  waved  : 
A  middle  realm,  by  fairer  figures  known, 
Adorn'd  with  fruits,  lay  bounded  for  his  own  ; 
Deep  thro'  the  centre,  fpreads  a  beauteous  bay, 
Full  fails  afcend  and  golden  rivers  ftray  j 
Bright  palaces  arife,  relieved  in  gold, 
And  gates  and  ftreets  the  crofting  lines  unfold. 
O'er  all  the  mimic  fcene,  his  fingers  trace 
His  future  feat  and  glory  of  his  race. 

While  thus  the  raptured  chief  bis  conquefts  view'd, 
And  gazing  thoufands  round  the  rampart  ftood, 
Whom  future  eafe  and  golden  dreams  employ, 
The  longs- of  triumph  and  the  fealt  of  joy  ; 
Sudden,  great  Wafhington  arofe  in  view, 
And  union'd  flags  his  ftately  fteps  purfue  ; 


iol  BOOK         VI. 

Bleft  Gallia's  bands  and  young  Columbia's  pride, 
Bend  the  long  march  and  glitter  at  his  fide. 

Now  on  the  wave  the  warring  fleets  advance, 
And  different  enfigns  o'er  their  pinions  dance  ; 
From  northern  (bores,  great  Albion's  flag,  unfurl'd, 
Waved  proud  defiance  to  the  watery  world  ; 
While,  from  the  fouthern  ifles,  a  daring  train, 
With  Gallic  banners;  fhadesthe  billowy  main. 
Here  brave  De  GraiTe  in  awful  fplendor,  rode, 
And  there  flern  Graves  a  rival  fplendor  fhow'd. 

The  approaching  fails,  as  far  as  eye  can  fweep, 
Lo©k  thro'  the  fkies  and  fhade  the  fhuddering  deep. 
As,  when  the  winds  of  heaven,  from  each  far  pole, 
Their  adverfe  ftorms  acrofs  the  concave  roll, 
The  fleecy  vapor's  thro'  the  expanfion  run, 
Veil  the  blue  vault  and  tremble  o'er  the  fun  j 
Till  the  dark  folding  wings  together  drive, 
Andjridg'd  with  nres,and  rock'd  with  thunder$,ftnve; 
So,  bearing  thro'  the  void,  at  firft  appear 
White  clouds  of  canvafs,-  floating  on  the  air  ; 
Then  frown  the  approaching  fronts;  the  fails  are  laid,. 
And  the  black  decks  extend  a  dreadful  fhade  ; 
While  rolling  flames  and  tides  of  fmoke  arife, 
And  thundering  cannons  rock  the  feas  and  ikies. 
Where  the  long  burfting  fires  the  cloud  difclofe, 
Hofts  heave  in  fight  and  blood  the  decks  o'er-flows;. 
There,  from  the  ftrife,  toft  navies  rife  to  view, 
Drive  back  to  vengeance  and  the  toil  renew  -, 


BOOK        VI.  193 

Here,  fhatter'd  barks  in  fquadrons  move  afar, 
Led  thro'  the  fmoke,  and  ftruggling  from  the  war ; 
While  hulls  half-feen,  beneath  a  gaping  wave, 
And  plunging  heroes  fill  the  watery  grave. 

Now  the  dark  fmoky  volumes  roll'd  away, 
And  a  long  line  afcended  into  day  ; 
The  pinions  fweil'd,  Britannia's  flag  arofe, 
And  flew  the  vengeance  of  triumphing  foes. 
When  up  the  bay,  Virginian  lands  that  laves, 
Great  Gallia's  line  its  conquering  ftandard  waves  : 
Where  ftill  dread  Wafhin£ton  ailumes  the  way, 
And  fleets  and  moving  realms  his  voice  obey  ; 
While  the  brave  Briton,  mid  the  gathering  hoft, 
Perceives  his  glories  and  his  emoire  loft. 

The  heaven-taught  fage  in  this  broad  fcene  beheld 
His  favourite  fons  the  fates  of  nations  wield  -, 
There  joyous  Lincoln  ihone  in  arms  again, 
Nelfon  and  Knox  moved  ardent  o'er  the  plain, 
Unconquer'd  Seammei,  mid  the  clofing  ftrife, 
In  light  of  victory,  pour'd  his  gallant  life; 
While  Gallic  thoufands  eager  toils  fufcain, 
And  death  and  danger  brighten  every  train. 
Where  Tarleton  ftrides,  with  hopes  of  flight  elate, 
Brave  Liuzon  moves,  and  drives  him  back  to  fate. 
In  one  dread  view,  two  chofen  bands  advance, 
Columbia's  veterans  and  the  pride  of  France  ; 
Thefe  bold  Viominil  exalts  to  fame, 
And  thole  Fayette's  conducting  guidance  claim. 

B  b 


194  BOOK        VI. 

They  life  the  fword,  with  rival  glory  warm, 
O'er  piked  ramparts  pour  the  flaming  dorm, 
The  mounted  thunders  brave,  and  lead  the  foe. 
In  captive  fquadrons,  to  the  plain  below. 
O'er  all  great  Wafhington  his  arm  extends, 
Points  every  movement,  every  toil  defends, 
Bids  clofer  ftrife  and  bloodier  ftrokes  proceed, 
New  batteries  blaze  and  heavier  fquadrons  bleed  ; 
Round  the  grim  foe  approaching  banners  rife, 
And  fhells  like  meteors  vault  the  flaming  fkies. 
With  dire  tfifrrfay  the  Britifli  chief  beheld 
The  foe  advance,  his  veterans  quit  the  field  ; 
Defpair  and  (laughter  when  he  turns  his  eye. 
No  hope  in  combat  and  no  power  to  fly  ; 
There  dread  De  Graflfe  o'erfhades  the  loaded  tide, 
Here  conquering  thoufands  all  the  champaign  hide; 
Fofles  and  batteries,  growing  on  the  fight, 
Still  pour  new  thunders  and  increafe  the  fight, 
Shells  rain  before  him,  rock  the  ihores  around, 
And  craggs  and  balls  o'erturn  the  tented  ground ; 
From  poll  to  poft,  the  driven  ranks  retire, 
The  earth  in  crimfon  and  the  fkies  on  fire. 

Now  grateful  truce  fufpends  the  burning  war, 
And  groans  and  fhouts,  promifcuous,  load  the  air; 
When  the  pent  fquadrons,  where  the  fmokes  decay, 
Drop  all  their  arms  and  move  in  open  day. 
Columbus  faw  the  immeafurable  train, 
Thoufands  on  thoufands,  redden  all  the  plain; 


Book      vl  i9S 

Beheld  the  glorious  Leader  Hand  fedate, 
Hofts  in  his  chain,  and  banners  at  his  feet ; 
Nor  fmile  o'er  all,  nor  chide  the  fallen  chief, 
But  fhare  with  pitying  eye  his  manly  grief. 
Thus  thro'  the  extremes  of  life,  in  every  {late, 
Shines  the  clear  foul,  beyond  all  fortune  great ; 
While  fmaller  minds,  the  dupes  of  fickle  chance, 
Slight  woes  o'erwhelm  and  fudden  joys  entrance. 
So  the  full  fun  thro'  all  the  changing  fky, 
Nor  blafts,  nor  overpowers  the  naked  eye  ; 
Tho'  tranfient  fplendors,  borrow'd  from  his  light, 
Glance  on  the  mirror  and  deftroy  the  fight. 

He  points  brave  Lincoln,  as  they  move  along, 
To  claim  the  triumph  of  the  trembling  throng  ; 
Who  fees,  once  more,  two  armies  fhade  the  plain, 
The  mighty  viflors  and  the  captive  train. 


THE 


VISION   of   COLUMBtf-S. 


BOOK    VII. 


ARGUMENT. 

Hymn  to  Peace.  Progress  of  Arts  in  America,  Furr- 
trade.  Fijheries.  Productions  and  Commerce.  E- 
ducation.  Pbilofopbical  inventions.  Painting.  Po- 
etry, 


The    VISION     of     COLUMBUS. 
BOOK    VII. 


H 


AIL  facred  Peace, who  claim'ft  thy  bright  abode, . 
Mid  circling  faints  that  grace  the  throne  of  God* 
Before  his  arm,  around  the  fhapelefs  earth, 
Stretch'd  the  wide  heavens  and  gave  to  nature  birth  j 
Ere  morning  flars  his  glowing  chambers  hung,. 
Or  fongs  of  gladnefs  woke  an  angel's  tongue,    . 
Veil'd  in  the  brightnefs  of  the  Almighty's  mind, 
In  bled  repofe  thy  placid  form  reclined  -, 
Borne  through  the  heavens  with  his  creating  voice, 
Thy  prefence  bade  the  unfolding  worlds  rejoice, 
Gave  to  feraphic  harps  their  founding  lays, 
Their  joys  to  angels,  and  to  men  their  praife.  [ftain, 
From  fcenes  of  blood,  thefe  beauteous  mores   that 
From  gafping  friends  that  prefs  the  fanguine  plain, 
From  fields,  long  taught  in.  vain  thy  flight  to  mourn, 
I  rife,  delightful  Power,  and  greet  thy  glad  return. 
Too  long  the  groans  of  death,  and  battle's  bray 
Have  rung  difcordant  through  the  unpleafing  lay  : 
Let  pity's  tear  its  balmy  fragrance  fried, 
O'er  heroes'  wounds  and  patriot  warriors  dead  ; 


soo  BOOK        VII. 

Accept,  departed  Shades,  thefe  grateful  fighs, 
Your  fond  attendants  to  the  approving  fkies. 

And  thou,  my  earlieft  friend,  my  Brother  dear, 
Thy  fall-untimely  wakes  the  tender  tear. 
In  youthful  fports,  in  toils,  in  blood  allied, 
My  kind  companion  and.  my.  hopeful  guide, 
When  Heaven's  fad  fummons,  from  our  infant  eyes 
Had  cali'd  our  laft,  loved  parent  to  the  fkies. 
Tho'  young  in  arms,  and  ftill  obfcure  thy  name, 
Thy  bofpm  panted  for  the  deeds  of  fame, 
Beneath  Montgomery's  eye,  when,  by  thy  fteel, 
In  northern  wilds,  the  lurking  favage  fell.. 
Yet,<iaplefs  youth  !  when  thy  gi;eat  leader  bled, 
Thro*  the  fame  wound  thy  parting  fpirit  fled. 

But  now  the  untunefuj  trump  fi;all  grate  no  more, 
Ye  filver  ftreams,  no  longer,  fwell  with  gore  $ 
Bear  from  your  beauteous  banks  the  crimfon  (lain. 
With  yon  retiring  navies  to  the  main. 
While  other  views,  unfolding  on  my  eyes, 
And  happier  themes  bid  bolder  numbers  rife  : 
Bring,  bounteous  Peace,  in  thy  celeftial  throng, 
Life  to  my  foul,  and  rapture  to  my  fong  ; 
Give  me  to  trace,  with  pure  unclouded  ray, 
The  arts  and  virtues  that  attend  thy  fway  ; 
To  fee  thy  blifsful  charms,  that  here  defcend, 
Through  diftant  realms  and  endlefs  years  extend. 

To  call  new  glories  o'er  the  changing  clime, 
The  Seraph  now  reverfed  the  flight  of  time  ; 


BOOK        VII.  cioi 

Roll'd  back  the  years,  that  led  their  courfe  before, 
And  ftretch'd  immenfe  the  wild  uncultured  more  ; 
The  paths  of  peaceful  fcience  raifed  to  view,  [purfue. 
And  fhow'd  the  afcending  crouds  that  ufeful  arts 

As  o'er  the  canvafs,  when  the  matter's  mind, 
Glows  with  a  future  landfcape,  well  defign'd, 
While  gardens,  vales  and  ftreets  and  firuclures  rife, 
A  new  creation  to  his  kindling  eyes  ; 
He  fmiles  o'er  all  \  and,  in  delightful  ftrife, 
The  pencil  moves,  and  calls  the  whole  to  life. 
So,  while  the  great  Columbus  ftood  fublLme, 
And  law  wild  nature  clothe  the  tracklefs  clime ; 
The  green  banks  heave,  the  winding  currents  pour, 
The  bays  and  harbours  cleave  the  yielding  fhore, 
The  champaigns  fpread,  the  folemn  groves  arife, 
And  the  rough  mountains  lengthen  round  the  fides, 
Through  all  the  fcene,  he  traced  with  fkiilful  ken 
The  unform'd  feats  and  future  walks  of  men  5  [play, 
Mark'd  where  the  fields  mould  bloom,  andftreamers 
And  towns  and  empires  claim  their  peaceful  fways 
When,  fudden  waken'd  by  the  Angel's  hand, 
They  rofe  in  pomp  around  the  cultured  land. 

In  weflern  wilds,  where  ftill  the  natives  tread, 
From  fea  to  fea  an  inland  commerce  fpread  -, 
O'er  the  dim  ftreams  and  thro'  the  gloomy  grove, 
The  trading  bands  their  cumberous  burdens  move  ; 
Where  furrs  and  fkins,  and  all  the  exhauftlefs  (lore 
Of  midland  realms  defcended  to  the  fhore, 

C  c 


i02  BOOK        VII. 

Where  fummer's  Tuns,  along  the  northern  coail, 
With  feeble  force  difTolve  the  chains  of  frofl, 
Prolific  v/aves  the  fcaly  nations  trace, 
And  tempt  the  toils  of  man's  laborious  race. 
Though  rich  Peruvian  ilrands,  beneath  the  tide, 
Their  rocks  of  pearl  and  fparkling  pebbles  hide; 
Lured  by  the  gaudy  prize,  the  adventurous  train 
Plunge  the  dark  deep  and  brave  the  furging  main  ; 
Whole  realms  of  Haves  the  dangerous  labours  dare, 
To  feud  a  fceptre  or  emblaze  a  liar  : 
Yet  wealthier  (lores  thefe  genial  tides  difplay, 
And  bufy  throngs  with  nobler  fpoils  repay. 
The  hero  faw  the  hardy  holts  advance, 
Call  the  long  line  and  aim  the  barbed  lance ; 
Load  the  deep  floating  barks,  and  bear  abroad 
To  each  far  clime  the  life-fuftaining  food; 
While  growing  fwarms  by  nature's  hand  fupplied, 
People  the  (hoals  and  fill  the  exhaufllefs  tide. 

Where  fomhern  dreams  thro'  broad favannahs  bend, 
The  rice-clad  vales  their  verdant  rounds  extend  -y 
Tobago's  plant  its  leaf  expanding  yields, 
The  maize  luxuriant  clothes  a  thoufand  fields ; 
Steeds,  herds  and  flocks  o'er  northern  regions  rove, 
Embrown  the  hill  and  wanton  thro'  the  grove ; 
The  wood-lands  wide  their  flurdy  honours  bend, 
The  pines,  the  live-oaks  to  the  fhores  defcend  ; 
Along  the  ftrand  unnumber'd  keels  arife, 
The  huge  hulls  heave,  and  mails  afcend  the  fkies  j 


BOOK        VII. 


*°3 


Launch'd  in  the  deep,  o'er  eaftern  waves  they  fly, 
Feed  every  ifle  and  diitant  lands  fupply. 

Silent  he  gazed  ;  when  thus  the  guardian  Power — 
Thefe  works  of  peace  awhile  adorn  the  fhcre; 
But  other  joys  and  deeds  of  lading  praife 
Shall  crown  their  labours  and  thy  rapture  raife. 
Each  orient  realm,  the  former  pride  of  earth, 
Where  men  and  fcience  drew  their  ancient  birth, 
Shall  foon  behold,  on  this  enlighten'd  coaft, 
Their  fame  tranfcended  and  their  glory  loft. 
That  train  of  arts,  that  graced  mankind  before, 
Warm'd  the  glad  fage  or  taught  the  Mule  to  foar, 
Here  with  fuperior  fway  their  progrefs  trace, 
And  aid  the  triumphs  of  thy  filial  race  ; 
While  rifing  crouds,  with  genius  unconfined, 
Through  deep  inventions  lead  the  aftoninVd  mind, 
Wide  o'er  the  world  their  name  unrivall'd  raife, 
And  bind  their  temples  with  immortal  bays. 

In  youthful  minds  to  wake  the  ardent  flame, 
To  nurfe  the  arts,  and  point  the  paths  of  fame, 
Behold  their  liberal  fires,  with  guardian  care, 
Thro'  all  the  realms  their  feats  of  fcience  rear. 
Great  without  pomp  the  modeft  manfions  rife  ; 
Harvard  and  Ya!evand  Princeton  greet  the  fkies ; 
Penn's  ample  walls  o'er  Del' ware's  margin  bend, 
On  James's  bank  the  royal  fpires  afcend, 
Thy  turrets,  York,  Columbia's  walks  command, 
Bofom'd  in  groves,  fee  growing  Dartmouth  (land  ;  - 


io4  BOOK        VII. 

While,  o'er  the  realm  reflecting  folar  fires, 
On  yon  tall  hiil  Rhode-IilancTs  feat  afpires. 

O'er  all  the  fhore,  with  fails  and  cities  gay, 
And  where  rude  hamlets  ftretch  their  inland  fway, 
With  humbler  wails  unnumber'd  fchools  arife, 
And  youths  unnumber'd  fieze  the  folid  prize. 
In  no  bled  land  has  Science  rear'd  her  fane, 
And  fix'd  fo  firm  her  wide-extended  reign  ; 
Each  ruftic  here.,  that  turns  the  furrow 'd  foil, 
The  maid,  the  youth,  that  ply  mechanic  toil, 
In  freedom  nurft,  in  ufeful  arts  inured, 
Know  their  juft  claims,  and  fee  their  rights  fecured. 

And  lo,  defcending  from  the  feats  of  art, 
The  growing  throngs  for  active  fcenes  depart ; 
In  various  garbs  they  tread  the  welcome  land, 
Swords  at  their  fide  or  fceptres  in  their  hand, 
With  healing  powers  bid  dire  difeafes  ceafe. 
Or  found  the  tidings  of  eternal  peace. 

In  no  bled  land  has  fair  Religion  ihone, 
And  fix'd  fo  firm  her  everlafting  throne. 
Where,  o'er  the  realms  thofe  fpacious  temples  ihine^ 
Frequent  and  full  the  throng'd  alTemblies  join  ; 
There,  fired  with  virtue's  animating  flame, 
The  facred  tafk  unnumber'd fages  claim; 
The  tafic,  for  angels  great  ;  in  early  youth, 
To  lead  whole  nations  in  the  walks  of  truth, 
Shed  the  bright  beams  of  knowledge  on  the  mind, 
'For  focial  compact  harmonize  mankind, 


BOOK        VII.  205 

To  life,  to  happinefs,  to  joys  above, 
The  foften'd  foul  with  ardent  zeal  to  move  ; 
For  this  the  voice  of  Heaven,  in  early  years, 
Tuned  the  glad  fongs  of  life-infpiring  feers, 
For  this  confenting  feraphs  leave  the  fkies, 
The  God  compaflionates,  the  Saviour  dies. 

Tho'  different  faiths  their  various  orders  fhow, 
That  feem  difcordant  to  the  train  below  ; 
Yet  one  bled  caufe,  one  univerfal  flame, 
Wakes  all  their  joys  and  centres  every  aim  ; 
They  tread  the  fame  bright  fteps,  and  fmoothe  the 
Lights  of  the  world  and  meiTengers  of  God.    [road, 
So  the  galaxy  broad  o'er  heaven  difplays 
Of  various  ftars  the  fame  unbounded  blaze ; 
Where  great  and  fmall  their  mingling  rays  unite, 
And  earth  and  fkies  repay  the  friendly  light. 

While  thus  the  hero  view'd  the  facred  band, 
Moved  by  one  voice  and  guided  by  one  hand, 
He  faw  the  heavens  unfold,  a  form  defcend, 
Down  the  dim  fkies  his  arm  of  light  extend, 
From  God's  own  altar  lift  a  living  coal, 
Touch  their  glad  lips  and  brighten  every  foul ; 
Then,  with  accordant  voice  and  heavenly  tongue, 
O'er  the  wide  clime  thefe  welcome  accents  rung. 

Ye  darkling  race  of  poor  diftreft  mankind, 
For  blifs  ftill  groping  and  to  virtue  blind, 
Hear  from  on  high  th'  Almighty's  voice  defcend  ; 
Y'e  heavens,  be  filent,  and  thou  earth,  attend. 


206  BOOK        VII. 

I  reign  the  Lord  of  life ;  I  fill  the  round, 
Where  ftars  and  ikies  and  angels  know  their  bound ; 
Before  all  years,  beyond  all  thought  I  live, 
Light,  form  and  motion,  time  and  fpace  I  give  -, 
Touch'd  by  this  hand,  all  worlds  within  me  roll, 
Mine  eye  their  fplendor  and  my  breath  their  foul. 
Earth,  with  her  lands  and  feas,  my  power  proclaims, 
There  moves  my  fpirit,  there  defcend  my  flames  ; 
Graced  with  the  femblance  of  the  Maker's  mind, 
Rofe  from  the  darkfome  dufl  the  reafoning  kind, 
With  powers  of  thought  to  trace  the  eternal  Caufe, 
That  all  his  works  to  one  great  fyftem  draws, 
View  the  full  chain  of  love,  the  all-ruling  plan, 
That  binds  the  God,  the  angel  and  the  man, 
That  gives  all  hearts  to  feel,  all  minds  to  know 
The  blifs  of  harmony,  of  ft  rife  the  woe. 
This  heaven  of  concord,  who  of  mortal  ftrain 
Shall  dare  oppofe — he  lifts  his  arm  in  vain  ; 
The  avenging  univerfe  fhall  on  him  roll 
The  intended  wrong,  and  whelm  his  guilty  foul. 
Then  lend  your  audience  ;  hear,  ye  fons  of  earth, 
Rife  into  life,  behold  the  promifed  birth  ; 
From  pain  to  joy,  from  guilt  to  glory  rife, 
Be  babes  on  earth,  be  feraphs  in  the  ikies. 
Lo,  to  the  cries  of  grief  mild  mercy  bends, 
Stern  vengeance  fofcens  and  the  God  defcends, 
The  atoning  God,  the  pardoning  grace  to  feal, 
The  dead  to  quicken  and  the  fick  to  heal. 


BOOK        VII.  207 

See  from  his  facred  fide  the  life-blood  flow, 
Hear  in  his  groans  unutterable  woe  ; 
While,  fixt  in  one  ftrong  pang,  the  all-fufFeringMind 
Bears  and  bewails  the  tortures  of  mankind. 
But  lo,  the  afcending  pomp  !  around  him  move 
His  riling  faints,  the  firft-born  fons  of  love  ; 
View  the  glad  throng,  the  glorious  triumph  join, 
His  paths  purfue  and  in  his  fplendor  mine  ; 
Purged  from  your  ftains  in  his  atoning  blood, 
Aliume  his  fpotlefs  robes  and  reign  befide  your  God. 

Thus  heard  the  hero — while  his  roving  view 
Traced  other  crouds  that  liberal  arts  purfue  ; 
When  thus  the  Seraph — Lo,  a  favourite  band, 
The  torch  of  fcience  flaming  in  their  hand  ! 
Thro'  nature's  range  their  ardent  fouls  afpire, 
Or  wake  to  life  the  canvafs  and  the  lyre. 
Fixt  in  fublimeft  thought,  behold  them  rife, 
Superior  worlds  unfolding  to  their  eyes  -, 
Heaven  in  their  view  unveils  the  eternal  plan, 
And  gives  new  guidance  to  the  paths  of  man. 

See  on  yon  darkening  height  bold  Franklin  tread, 
Heaven's  awful  thunders  rolling  o'er  his  head  : 
Convolving  clouds  the  billowy  ikies  deform, 
And  forky  flames  emblaze  the  blackening  ftorm. 
See  the  defcending  dreams  around  him  burn, 
Glance  on  his  rod  and  with  his  guidance  turn  ; 
He  bids  conflicting. heavens  their  blafts  expire, 
Curbs  the  fierce  blaze  and  holds  the  imprifon'd  fire. 


aoS  BOOK        VII. 

No  more,  when  folding  ftorms  the  vault  o'er-fpread, 
The  livid  glare  fkall  ftrike  thy  race  with  dread  ; 
Nor  towers  nor  temples,  fhuddering  with  the  founds 
Sink  in  the  flames  and  fpread  deftruction  round. 
His  daring  toils,  the  threatening  blaft  that  wait, 
Shall  teach  mankind  to  ward  the  bolts  of  fate  ; 
The  pointed  flee!  o'er-tcp  the  afcending  fpire, 
And  lead  o'er  trembling  walls  the  harmlefs  fire  ; 
In  his  glad  fame  while  aidant  worlds  rejoice, 
Far  as  the  lightnings  fhine  or  thunders  raife  their  voice. 

See  the  fage  Rittenhoufe,  with  ardent  eye, 
Lift  the  long  tube  and  pierce  the  Harry  iky  -, 
Clear  in  his  view  the  circling  fyftems  roll, 
And  broader  fplendors  gild  the  central  pole. 
He  marks  what  laws  the  eccentric  wanderers  bind, 
Copies  creation  in  his  forming  mindj 
And  bids,  beneath  his  hand,  in  femblance  rife, 
With  mimic  orbs,  the  labours  of  the  fkies. 
There  wondering  crouds  with  raptured  eye  behold 
The  fpangled  heavens  their  myftic  maze  unfold  •, 
While  each  glad  fage  his  fplendid  hall  fhall  grace, 
With  all  the  fpheres  that  cleave  the  etherial  fpacc, 

To  guide  the  failor  in  his  wandering  way, 
See  Godfrey's  toils  reverfe  the  beams  of  day. 
His  lifted  quadrant  to  the  eye  difplays 
From  adverfe  ikies  the  counteracting  rays  3 
And  marks,  as  devious  fails  bewilder'd  roll, 
Each  nice  gradation  from  the  ftedfaft  pole. 


BOOK        VII.  209 

See,  Weft  with  glowing  life  the  canvafs  warms ;  ^ 
His  fovereign  hand  creates  impaffron'd  forms, 
Spurns  the  cold  critic  rules,  to  fieze  the  heart, 
And  boldly  burfls  the  former  bounds  of  Art. 
No  more  her  powers  to  ancient  fcenes  confined, 
He  opes  her  liberal  aid  to  all  mankind; 
She  calls  to  life  each  patriot,  chief  or  fage, 
Garb'd  in  the  drefs  and  drapery  of  his  age  ; 
Again  bold  Regulus  to  death  returns, 
Again  her  falling  Wolfe  Britannia  mourns ; 
Warriors  in  arms  to  frowning  combat  move, 
And  youths  and  virgins  melt  the  foul  to  love  ; 
Grief,  rage  and  fear  beneath  his  pencil  flart, 
Roll  the  wild  eye  and  pour  the  flowing  heart ; 
While  (lumbering  heroes  wait  his  wakening  call, 
And  diftant  ages  fill  the  ftoried  wall. 

With  rival  force,  fee  Copley's  pencil  trace 
The  air  of  action  and  the  charms  efface  ; 
Fair  in  his  tints  unfold  the  fcenes  of  ftate, 
The  Senate  lirtens  and  the  peers  debate ; 
Pale  confternation  every  heart  appalls, 
In  act  to  fpeak,  while  death-ftruck  Chatham  falls. 
His  ftrong,  deep  ihades  a  bold  exprelTion  give, 
Railed  into  light  the  darting  figures  live  : 
With  poliuYd  pride  the  finifh'd  features  boaft, 
The  mailer's  art  in  nature's  foftnefs  loft. 

Fired  with  the  martial  toils,  that  bathed  in  gr>re 
His  brave  companions  on  his  native  iliore 
D  d 


iio  BOOK         VII. 

Trumbull  with  daring  hand  the  fcene  recalls, 
He  fhades  with  night  Quebec's  beleagur'd  walls, 
Mid  flafhing  flames,  that  round  the  turrets  rife, 
Blind  carnage  raves  and  great  Montgomery  dies. 
On  Charleftown's  height,  thro'  floods  of  rolling  fire, 
Brave  Warren  falls,  and  fullen  hofts  retire  5 
While  other  plains  of  death,  that  gloom  the  ikies, 
And  chiefs  immortal  o'er  his  canvafs  rife. 

See  rural  feats  of  innocence  and  eafe, 
High  tufted  towers  and  walks  of  waving  trees, 
The  white  waves  darning  on  the  craggy  mores, 
Meandering  flreams  and  meads  of  fpangled  flowers, 
Where  nature's  fons  their  wild  excurfions  lead, 
In  juft  defign,  from  Taylor's  pencil  fpread. 

Steward  and  Brown  the  moving  portrait  raife, 
Each  rival  ftroke  the  force  of  life  conveys  ; 
See  circling  Beauties  round  their  tablets  fland, 
And  rife  immortal  from  their  plaftic  hand  ; 
Each  breathing  form  preferves  its  wonted  gracej 
And  all  the  foul  Hands  fpeaking  in  the  face. 

Two  kindred  arts  the  fwelling  fiatue  heave, 
Wake  the  dead  wax  and  teach  the  ftone  to  live. 
While  the  bold  chiffel  claims  the  rugged  ftrife, 
To  rouie  the  fceptred  marble  into  life  > 
While  Latian  fhrines  their  figured  patriots  boaft, 
And  gods  and  heroes  croud  each  orient  coaft, 
See  Wright's  fair  hands  the  livlier  fire  controul, 
In  waxen  forms  fhe  breathes  the  impafnon'd  foul ; 


BOOK        VII.  211 

The  pencil'd  tint  o'er  moulded  fubftance  glows, 
And  different  powers  the  unrivail'd  art  compofe. 

To  equal  fame  afcends  thy  tuneful  throng, 
The  boaft  of  genius  and  the  pride  of  fong ; 
Warm'd  with  the  fcenes  that  grace  their  various  clime, 
Their  lays  (hall  triumph  o'er  the  lapfe  of  time. 

With  keen-eyed  glance  thro'  nature's  walks  to  pierce, 
With  all  the  powers  and  every  charm  of  verfe, 
Each  fcience  opening  in  his  ample  mind, 
His  fancy  glowing  and  his  tafte  refined, 
See  Trumbull  lead  the  train.     His  fkillful  hand 
Hurls  the  keen  darts  of  Satire  thro*  the  land ; 
Pride,  knavery,  dullnefs,  feel  his  mortal  flings, 
And  liftening  virtue  triumphs  while  he  fings ; 
Proud  Albion's  fons,  victorious  now  no  more, 
In  guilt  retiring  from  the  wafted  more, 
Strive  their  curft  cruelties  to  hide  in  vain — 
The  world  mall  learn  them  from  hisdeathlefs  ftrain. 

On  glory's  wing  to  raife  the  ravifh'd  foul, 
Beyond  the  bounds  of  earth's  benighted  pole, 
For  daring  Dwight  the  Epic  Mufe  fublime 
Hails  her  new  empire  on  the  weflern  clime. 
Fired  with  the  themes  by  feers  feraphic  fung, 
Heaven  in  his  eye,  and  rapture  on  his  tongue, 
His  voice  divine  revives  the  promifed  land, 
The  Heaven-taught  Leader  and  the  chofen  band. 
In  Hanniel's  fate,  proud  faction  finds  her  doom, 
Ai's  midnight  flames  light  nations  to  their  tomb, 


si2  BOOK        VII. 

In  vifions  bright  fuperrtal  joys  are  .given. 
And  all  the  dread  futurities  of  heaven. 

While  freedom's  caufe  his  pan  lot  bofom  warms, 
In  counfel  fage,  nor  inexpert  in  arms, 
See  Humphreys  glorious  from  the  field  retire, 
Sheathe  the  glad  fword  and  firing  the  founding  lyre  ; 
That  lyre  which,  erft,  in  hours  of  dark  defpair, 
Routed  the  fad  realms  to  urge  the  unfinifh'd  war. 
O'er  fallen  friends,  with  all  the  flrength  of  woe, 
Kis  heart- felt  fighs  in  moving  numbers  flow  ; 
His  country's  wrongs,  her  duties,  dangers,  praife, 
Fire  his  full  foul  and  animate  his  lays  j 
Immortal  Wafhington  with  joy  fhall  own. 
So  fond  a  favourite  and  fo  great  a  fog. 


THE 


VISION   of   COLUMBUS, 


BOOK    VIII. 


ARGUMENT. 

The  vifion  fujptnded.  Caiifes  of  the  flow  progrefs  of 
Science  and  its  frequent  interruptions.  Its  ancient 
compared  with  its  modern  eftablifhment.  Consequen- 
ces of  the  latter.  Caufes  of  the  apparent  uncertainty 
in  matters  of  theology.  Super/lit  ion  built  on  the  paf- 
fions  ;  fcepticifm  on  the  reasoning  power.  Neceffity 
end  happy  effecl  of  the  united  force  of  reaf on  and  the 
faffiom  in  the  dtfeovery  of  truth, 


The    VISION     of     COLUMBUS. 
BOOK    VIII. 


A- 


ND  now  the  Angel,  from  the  trembling  fight, 
Veil'd  the  wide  world — when  fudden  fhades  of  night 
Move  o'er  the  etherial  vault  i  the  ftarry  train 
Paint  their  dim  forms  beneath  the  placid  main  ; 
While  earth  and  heaven,  around  the  hero's  eye, 
Seem  arch'd  immenfe,  like  one  furrounding  iky. 
Still,  from  the  Power  fuperior  fplendors  fhone, 
The  height  emblazing  like  a  radiant  throne  -, 
To  converfe  fweet  the  Toothing  fhades  invite, 
And  on  the  guide  the  hero  fix'd  his  fight. 

Kind  mefifenger  of  Heaven,  he  thus  began, 
Why  this  progrefTive  labouring  fearch  of  man  ? 
If  man  by  wifdom  form'd  hath  power  to  reach 
Thefe  opening  truths  that  following  ages  teach. 
Step  after  ftep,  thro'  devious  mazes,  wind, 
And  fill  at  lad  the  meafure  of  the  mind, 
Why  did  not  Heaven,  with  one  unclouded  ray, 
All  human  arts  and  reafon's  powers  difplay  ? 
That  mad  opinions,  fects  and  party  ftrife 
Might  find  no  place  t'imbitter  human  life. 


ai6  BOOK       VIIL 

To  ^hom  the  Angelic  Power ;  to  thee  Vis  givea, 
To  hold  high  converfe,  and  enquire  of  heaven, 
To  mark  uncircled  ages  and  to  trace 
The  unfolding  truths  that  wait  thy  kindred  race* 
Know  then,  the  counfels  of  th'  unchanging  Mind, 
Thro'  nature's  range,  progreflive  paths  defign'd, 
Unfinifh'd  works  th'  harmonious  fyftem  grace, 
Thro'  all  duration  and  around  all  fpace  ; 
Thus  beauty,  wifdom,  power,  their  parts  unroll, 
Till  full  perfection  joins  the  accordant  whole. 

So  the  firft  week,  beheld  the  progrefs  rife, 
Which  form'd  the  earth  and  arch'd  th'incumbant  fkies- 
Dark  and  imperfect  firft,  the  un beauteous  frame, 
From  vacant  night,  to  crude  exiftence  came;  [bound, 
Light  ftarr'd  the  heavens  and  funs  were  taught  their 
Winds  woke  their  force,  and  rlcods  their  centre  found  ; 
Earth's  kindred  elements,  in  joyous  ftrife, 
Warm'd  the  glad  glebe  to  vegetable  life, 
Till  fenfe  and  power  and  action  claim'd  their  place, 
And  godlike  reafon  crown'd  the  imperial  race. 

Progreflive  thus,  from  that  great  fource  above, 
Flows  the  fair  fountain  of  redeeming  love, 
Dark  harbingers  of  hope,  at  firft  beftow'd, 
Taught  early  faith  to  feel  her  path  to  God  ; 
Down  the  prophetic,  brightening  train  of  years, 
Confentins;  voices  rofe  of  different  feers, 
In  fhadowy  types  difplay'd  the  accomplifh'd  plan, 
When  filial  Godhead  fliould  affume  the  man, 


BOOK        VIIL  217 

When  the  pureChurch  mould  ftretch  her  arms  abroad, 
Fair  as  a  bride  and  liberal  as  her  God  $ 
Till  warm  benevolence  and  truth  refined, 
Pervade  the  world  and  harmonize  mankind; 

And  thus  fair  Science,  of  celeftial  birth, 
With  times  long  circuit  treads  the  gladfome  earth  3 
By  gradual  fteps  to  mark  the  extended  road. 
That  leads  mankind  to  reafon  and  to  God. 

In  elder  times,  when  favage  tribes  began, 
A  few  flrong  pafllons  fway'd  the  wayward  man  ; 
Envy,  revenge  and  fatelefs  luft  of  power 
Fired  the  dark  foul  and  ftain'd  the  fields  with  gore. 
By  jarring  ftrife,  all  milder  joys  fuppreft, 
Loft  their  foft  influence  on  the  furious  bread ; 
No  friendly  ties  the  barbarous  feuds  afiuage, 
And  ceafelefs  carnage,  feeds  the  brutal  rage. 

When  different  tribes,  in  focial  bands  combined, 
Their  local  views  thejoylefs  foul  confined, 
Eternal  bickerings  brutal  ftrength  fupply'd, 
Cities  are  wall'd  and  warring  hofts  divide. 
When  infant  arts,  in  growing  nations,  rofe, 
They  lured  the  envy  of  furrounding  foes  > 
The  favage  bands  united  fieze  the  prey> 
Deftroy  the  learning  and  obftruct  the  fway* 

Thus,  at  the  Mule's  call,  when  Thebes  arofe, 
And  fcience  fway'd  where  nurt'ringNilus  flows, 
Rich  with  the  fpoils  of  art,  fair  ftructures  blazed, 
And  barb'rous  nations  envy'd  as  they  gazed  ; 

E  e 


«8  BOOK        VIII. 

The  tempting  pyramid,  the  growing  ftore, 
The  charm  of  conqueft  and  the  grafp  of  power 
Lured  the  dark  world,  with  envious  pride  elate, 
To  whelm  fair  Science  in  the  wrecks  of  ftate. 
Till  Thebes  and  Memphis  namelefs  ruins  lie, 
And  crufh'd  the  power  that  raifed  them  to  the  fky. 

O'er  bright  Chaldea's  plains  her  vot'ries  ftray, 
Defcribed  the  liars  and  fix'd  their  wandering  way, 
The  unclouded  fkies  the  fhepherd  learn'd  to  read, 
His  loves  to  cherifh  and  his  flocks  to  feed; 
Till  haughty  Babel  ftretch'd  an  envy'd  fway, 
And  furious  millions  warr'd  the  arts  away, 

IlifTus'  banks  difpky'd  a  happier  feat, 
Where  every  Mufe  and  all  the  graces  meet ; 
Parnaffiari  heights  fhe  foars  ;  then,  fleering  far, 
Driven  by  the  clofe  purfuit  of  vengeful  war, 
She  wings  her  flight,  a  wefcern  region  gains, 
And  moves  in  majefty  o'er  Latian  plains. 

But  pride  and  conqueft  follow  where  fhe  leads, 
Her  eagle  flies,  the  untutor'd  favage  bleeds, 
Rome's  haughty  Genius,  taught  by  her  to  foar, 
With  pride  of  learning  fvvells  the  pride  of  power; 
From  Brits,  from  Scythians  plucks  the  laurel  crown: 
And  deems,  by  right,  the  unletter'd  world  his  own. 
Till,  fired  by  infult,  vengeful  myriads  rofe, 
And  all  the  north  pours  forth  the  fwarming  foes. 
Like  fweeping  tempeits  in  embattled  heaven,  , 
When'  fire  and  blacknefs  ftreak  the  fails  of  even, 


BOOK        VIII.  ti9 

The  dark-red  hofts  of  painted  warriors  roll, 
Rome's  thoughtlefs  capitol  the  tempting  goal  ; 
Nor  arts  they  need  nor  order  points  thier  way, 
For  arts  and  order  fwell  the  Reman  fway  ; 
Spain,  Latium,  Afric  feed  the  furious  flame, 
And  haplefs  Science  mourns  her  buried  name. 

As  when  the  fun  moves  o'er  the  flaming  zone, 
Careering  clouds  attend  his  fervid  throne, 
Superior  fplendors,  in  his  courfe  difplay'd, 
Proclaim  the  progrefs  of  a  heavier  fnade  ; 
Thus  where  the  Power  her  ancient  circuit  held, 
Her  finning  courfe  fucceeding  darknefs  veil'd. 
Fear,  intereit,  envy  bound  her  laurel'd  reign, 
A  coaft  her  walk,  the  Hellefpont  her  main, 
Ere  Goya's  trembling  fteel  could  point  the  pole, 
Or  heavens  inverted  taught  thy  bark  to  roll. 

At  length  the  fcene  a  nobler  pomp  afifumes, 
A  milder  beam  difpels  the  Gothic  glooms  -, 
In  fober  majefty,  and  charms  of  peace, 
The  goddefs  moves,  and  cheers  her  filial  race, 
Lifts  bolder  wings,  with  happier  flight  to  foar, 
No  more  to  reft  till  heavens  illume  no  more. 
At  once,  confenting  nations  rife  to  fame; 
Here  Charles's  genius  wakes  the  Gallic  name, 
There  Alfred  aids  the  univerfal  caufe, 
And  opes  the  fource  of  liberty  and  laws  ; 
Here  Greece  invites  her  to  her  ancient  home, 
There  in  rough  greatnefs  heaves  her  Gothic  dome. 


22o  BOOK        VIIL 

Wide  fpreads  her  fway  o'er  bleft  Arabian  plains, 
Where  her  own  Caliph,  liberal  Rachid  reigns, 
O'er  all  the  climes  extends  the  rifing  Power, 
From  fartheft  Ganges  to  the  Atlantic  fhore. 

Even  horrid  war,  that  erft  her  courfe  withftood, 
And  whelm'd,  fo  oft,  her  peaceful  fhrines  in  blood, 
Now  leads  thro'  paths  unfeen  her  glorious  way, 
Extends  her  limits  and  confirms  her  fway. 
See,  from  all  Europe's  bounds,  the  warriors  pour, 
In  crouding  millions  to  the  Afian  fhore ; 
Mankind  their  prey,  the  unmeaning  Crofs  their  pride, 
And  facred  vengeance  their  delufive  guide. 
Zeal  points  their  way,  thro'  famine,  toil  and  blood, 
To  aid  with  arms  the  imagin'd  caufe  of  God  ; 
Till  fields  of  flaughter  whelm  the  broken  holt. 
Their  pride  appall'd,  their  countlefs  myriads  loft, 
The  fad  remains  to  peaceful  toils  return, 
Skill'd  in  the  arts,  that  eaftern  climes  adorn  -, 
O'er  Europe's  changing  fhores,  the  charms  difplay, 
And  wafted  realms  with  happier  fruits  repay. 

The  rival  barons,  whom  ambition  draws, 
Their  wealth  to  laviih  in  the  holy  caufe, 
In  peace  retiring,  yield  the  regal  crown, 
And  blend  their  counfels  to  exalt  the  throne. 
While  flaves,  no  longer  purchafed  with  the  foil, 
Waked  into  freemen,  ply  the  cheerful  toil, 
Afifert  their  rights,  extend  the  royal  reign, 
And  mutual  terrprs  break  the  feudal  chain. 


BOOK        VIII.  221 

Now  growing  commerce  in  firm  compact  joins 
Surrounding  nations  and  their  force  combines  j 
From  rich  Aufonia,  bold  advent'rers  rife, 
Trace  midland  currents  tow'rd  the  northern  fkies, 
Enlarge  their  navies,  and  with  wealthier  train, 
Roll  with  the  Rhine  and  widen  with  the  main  ; 
Then  tempt  a  broader  flight,  extend  the  fail, 
Point  the  fure  compafs,  call  a  foreign  gale, 
For  fpicy  fruits  the  orient  furges  brave, 
And  load  with  fparkling  gems  the  liberal  wave. 

See  Rome  once  more  the  unfolding  arts  attend, 
Her  groves  rewarble  and  her  walls  afcend  j 
Bologna's  learned  towers  arife  to  fame, 
And  thine,  fair  Paris,  nobler  honours  claim  ; 
In  rival  fplendor,  bright  Oxonia,  fmiles, 
And  fpreads  her  Wettings  o'er  the  Britifh  ifles  ; 
There,  like  the  ftar  that  leads  the  orient  day, 
Chaucer  directs  his  tuneful  fons  their  way. 
See  haplefs  Galiileo's  daring  foul 
Explore  the  ftars  and  point  their  orbs  to  roll ; 
And,  happier  Fauftus,  thy  inventive  mind 
Awakes  the  unbounded  genius  of  mankind  : 
O'er  wondering  climes  thy  letter'd  types  difplay 
The  works  offcience  and  extend  herfway. 

Bold  chivalry  romantic  aids  her  caufe  \ 
In  honour's  name  the  knight  his  falchion  draws ; 
Lured  by  the  charms  that  grace  the  guardlefs  fair, 
To  fuffering  virtue  bends  his  generous  care, 


222  BOOK        VII. 

Thro*  toil  and  pain  in  queft  of  glory  roves, 
Braves  death  and  danger  for  the  maid  he  loves; 
While  fired  by  gallantry,  the  generous  art, 
Improves  the  manners  and  amends  the  heart. 

When  pride  and  rapine  held  their  vengeful  fway, 
•And  praife  purfued  where  conqueft  led  the  way, 
Fair  nature's  mildeft  grace,  the  female  mind, 
By  rough-brow'd  power  neglected  and  confined, 
Unheeded  figh'd,  mid  empire's  rude  alarms, 
Unknown  its  virtues  and  enilaved  its  charms. 
So  the  lone  wild-rofe  opes  the  fweeteft  bloom, 
To  fcent  the  unconfcious  thorn,  and  wither  round  the 

Bleit  Science  then,  to  rugged  toils  confined,  [tomb. 
Rofe  but  to  conquer  and  enflave  mankind, 
O'er  gentle  paflions  fpread  a  harm  controul, 
And  waked  the  glare  of  grandeur  in  the  foul. 
She  taught  the  lance  to  thirft  for  human  gore, 
She  taught  pale  avarice  to  fwell  the  (lore, 
Taught  milder  arts  the  peaceful  prize  to  yield, 
Her  Mufe  to  thunder  thro'  the  embattled  field ; 
In  ruin'd  realms  to  build  the  fhrine  of  fame, 
And  call  celeftial  aid  to  raife  a  tyrant's  name. 
In  chains  and  darknefs  mourn'd  the  haplefs  fair, 
The  price  of  gold,  the  infuked  prize  of  war, 
While  fires,  unfeeling,  claim'd  the  fordid  dower, 
And  nymphs  were  fold  the  ilaves  of  luft  and  power. 

A  happier  morn  now  brightens  in  the  Ikies, 
Superior  arts,  in  peaceful  glory,  rife; 


BOOK        VIII.  223 

While  fofter  virtues  claim  their  guardian  care, 
And  crowns  of  laurel  grace  the  rifing  fair. 
With  all  the  raptures  of  celeftial  fire, 
Each  rival  fex  the  rival  arts  infpire  ; 
This  bids  bold  commerce  load  the  labouring  main, 
Or  fwells  the  peaceful  harveftof  the  plain, 
That  leads  the  hours  of  calm,  domeftic  toil, 
And  cheers  the  houfhold  with  an  evening  fmile. 
While  ftates  and  empires,  policies  and  laws 
Lure  the  firm  patriot  in  the  bolder  caufe, 
To  flem  the  tide  of  power  or  guide  the  war, 
Like  thee  to  fuffer  and  like  thee  to  dare — 
With  equal  honour,  as  with  fofter  grace, 
The  matron  virtues  guide  the  rifing  race. 

On  this  broad  bafe  while  Science  rears  her  fane, 
New  toils  and  triumphs  fill  her  glorious  train, 
Thro'  fairer  fields  me  leads  the  expanding  mind, 
jGrlads  every  clime  and  dignifies  mankind. 
Contending  kings  their  views  harmonious  blend, 
Writh  temper'd  force  their  arts  and  arms  extend  ; 
The  oppofing  holts  beneath  their  liberal  reign, 
.Croud  the  vafl  wave  and  glitter  o'er  the  plain, 
With  thundering  engines  rend  the  harrnlefs  air, 
And  lofe  the  horrors  in  the  pomp  of  war. 

See  the  glad  fage  to  ufeful  labours  foar, 
Tempt  other  feas  and  unknown  worlds  explore, 
pid  feeble  tribes  difplay  their  powers  abroad, 
And  regions  fmile  without  the  wafle  of  blood. 


224  BOOK        Vlll 

Then,  while  the  daring  Mufe,  from  heavenly  quires, 
With  life  divine  the  raptured  bard  infpires, 
With  bolder  hand  he  ftrikes  the  trembling  firing, 
Virtues  and  loves  and  deeds  like  thine  to  fing. 
No  more  with  vengeful  chiefs  and  furious  gods, 
Old  Ocean  crimfons  and  Olympus  nods* 
Nor  heavens,  convulfive,  rend  the  dark  profound* 
Nor  Titans  groan  beneath  the  heaving  ground ; 
But  milder  themes  fhall  wake  the  peaceful  fong, 
Life  in  the  foul  and  rapture  on  the  tongue  -$ 
To  moral  beauties  bid  the  world  attend, 
And  didant  lands  their  focial  ties  extend, 
Thro'  Union'd  realms  the  rage  of  conqued  ceafe, 
War  fink  in  nighty  and  nature  fmile  in  peace* 
Then  mall  he  foar  fublimer  heights,  and  rove 
O'er  brighter  walks,  and  happier  climes  of  love  % 
Rapt  into  vifion  of  the  bled  abode, 
From  Angel-harps  to  catch  the  infpiring  God  ; 
Thro*  heavens  o'ercanopy'd  by  heavens  behold 
New  funs  afcend  and  other  fkies  unfold, 
Seraphs  and  fyftem'd  worlds  around  him  lhine, 
And  lift  his  mortal  drains  to  harmony  divine. 

To  thefefuperior  flights,  the  chief  rejoin'd, 
If  happier  years  fhall  raife  the  roving  mind  ; 
Progreftlve  arts  exalt  the  foul  on  high, 
Peace  rule  the  earth  and  faith  unfold  the  fky ; 
Say,  how  fhall  truths  like  thefe  to  man  be  given? 
Or  fcience  find  the  limits  mark'd  by  Heaven  ? 


BOOK        VIII.  225 

In  every  age  fince  reafoning  pride  began, 
And  heavens  dread  Sire  reveal'd  himfelf  to  man, 
What  different  faiths  the  changing  race  infpire  ! 
What  blind  devotions  and  unhallow'd  fire  ! 
What  gods  of  human  form  and  favage  power 
Cold  fear  could  fafhion  or  mad  zeal  adore  ! 
Thefe  croud  their  temples,  thofe  their  names  defpife, 
In  each  dire  caufe  the  exulting  martyr  dies  ; 
Till,  fenfe  renounced,  and  virtue  driven  afar, 
Rage  fires  the  realms,  religion  founds  to  war ; 
And  the  firft  blefiing,  Heaven  for  earth  defign'd, 
Seems  the  fevereft  curfe  that  waits  mankind. 

Say  then,  my  guide,  if  heavenly  wifdom  gave 
To  erring  man  a  life  beyond  the  grave — 
If  one  creative  Power,  one  living  fcul 
Produced  all  beings  and  preferves  the  whole ; 
Who,  throned  in  light,  with  full  perfection  bleft, 
Mid  changing  worlds,  enjoys  eternal  reft  ; 
While  man,  (till  grovling,  pafTionate  and  blind, 
Wars  with  his  neighbour  and  deflroys  his  kind-*- 
Say,  what  connecting  chain,  in  endlefs  line, 
Links  earth  to  heaven,  and  mortal  with  divine  ? 
Applies  alike  to  every  age  and  clime, 
And  lifcs  the  foul  beyond  the  bounds  of  time  ; 
And  when  ihall  fcience  trace  the  immortal  way, 
And  hail  religion  in  her  native  day  ? 

The  Power  return'd.    Thy  race  fhall  foon  behold 
Reafon  refined,  and  moral  lights  unroli'd, 

F  f 


aa6  BOOK        VIIL 

While  icicnce  rifes,  freed  from  pedant  pride, 
Of  truth  the  ftandard  and  of  faith  the  guide. 

The  pafllons  wild,  that  fway  the  changing  mind, 
The  reafoning  powers,  her  watchful  guides  defign'd, 
Each,  unreftrain'd,  alike  fubvert  the  plan, 
Miflead  the  judgment  and  betray  the  man. 
Hence  raging  zeal,  or  fceptic  fcorn  prevails, 
And  arms  decide  the  faith,  where  wifdom  fails. 
Of  human  pafllons,  one  above  the  red, 
Fear, love,  or  envy,  rules  in  every  breaft  -, 
And,  while  it  varies  with  the  changing  clime, 
Now  ftoops  to  earth,  now  lifts  the  foul  fublime, 
Forms  local  creeds  of  fuperftitious  lore, 
Creates  the  God,  and  bids  the  world  adore. 

Lo  !  at  the  Lama's  feet,  as  lord  of  all, 
Age,  following  age,  in  dumb  devotion  fall  I 
The  youthful  God,  mid  fuppliant  kings  infhrined, 
Difpenfing  fate  and  ruling  half  mankind, 
Sits,  with  contorted  limbs,  a  filent  (lave, 
An  early  victim  of  a  fecret  grave. 
And,  where  the  mofk's  dim  arches  bend  on  high, 
See  the  dead  prophet  mount  the  mimic  iky  s 
While  pilgrim  hofts,  o'er  tracklefs  deferts  come, 
Croud  the  deep  fhrine,  and  worfhip  round  his  tomb. 
See  Memphian  altars  reek  with  human  gore, 
Gods  hifs  from  caverns,  or  in  cages  roar  $ 
Nile  pours  from  heaven  a  tutulary  flood, 
And  vales  produce  the  vegetable  God. 


BOOK        VIII.  -227 

Two  rival  Powers  the  Magian  faith  infpire, 
The  fire  of  darknefs  and  the  fource  of  fire  : 
Evil  and  good,  in  thefe  contending  rife, 
And  each,  by  turns,  the  fovereign  of  the  fkies. 
Sun,  liars  and  planets  round  the  earth  behold 
Their  fanes  of  marble  and  their  fhrines  of  gold  ; 
The  fea,  the  grove,  the  harveft  and  the  vine 
Spring  from  their  Gods,  and  claim  a  fource  divine  -, 
While  heroes,  kings  and  fages  of  their  times, 
Thofe  Gods  on  earth,  are  Gods  in  happier  climes  ; 
Minos  in  judgment  fits,  and  Jove  in  power, 
And  Odin's  friends  are  feafted  ftill  with  gore. 

Yet  wifdom's  eye  with  juft  contempt  defcries 
Thefe  rites  abfurd,  and  bids  the  world  defpife: 
Then  reafoning  powers  o'er  paflion  gain  the  fvvay, 
And  fhroud  in  deeper  glooms  the  mental  ray. 
See  the  proud  fage,  with  philofophic  eye, 
Rove  thro*  all  climes,  and  trace  the  Harry  fky, 
The  fyftems  mark,  their  various  laws  purfue, 
The  God  ftill  rifing  to  his  raptured  view  ; 
But  what  this  God  ?  and  what  the  great  defign, 
Why  creatures  live  or  worlds  around  him  mine  ? 
If  all  perfection  dwelt  in  him  alone, 
If  power,  he  cries,  and  wifdom  were  his  own, 
No  pain,  no  guilt,  no  variance  could  annoy 
The  realm  of  peace,  the  univerfe  of  joy. 

Yet  reafon  here  with  homeward  ken,  defcries 
From  jarring  parts  what  dark  diforders  rife  ; 


223  BOOK        VIII. 


From  froft  end  fire  what  ftorms  untemper'd  rave  ! 
What  plagues,    what  earthquakes  croud  the  gaping 
Pain,  toil  and  torture  give  the  infant  breath,  [grave ! 
His  life  is  mifery  and  his  portion  death. 
From  moral  ills  a  like  deftruction  reigns, 
War  founds  the  trump,  and  (laughter  dyes  the  plains; 
While  wrath  divine  proclaims  a  heavier  doom,. 
And  guilt,  afronifh'd,  looks  beyond  the  tomb. 
Whence  thefe  unnumber'd  caufelefs  ills,  he  cries, 
Could  wifdom  form  them  ?  or  could  love  devife  ? 
No  love,  no  wifdom,  no  confiftent  plan, 
No  God  irwheaven,  nor  future  life  to  man ! 

While  thus,  thro'  nature's  walks  he  foars  on  high, 
Acquits  all  guilt,  difpeoples  all  the  fky, 
Denies  unfeen  exiftence,  and  believes 
No  form  beyond  what  human  fenfe  perceives, 
An  anxious  fearch  impels  the  curious  mind, 
Its  own  bright  eiTence  and  its  powers  to  find. 
From  confeious  thought  his  reafoning  force  he  plies, 
And  dceD  in  fearch  the  active  foul  defcries ; 
Yet  fenfe  and  fubftance  no  relation  claim, 
That  dupes  the  reafon,  this  exifts  a  name  : 
All  matter,  mind,  fenfe,  knowledge,  pleafure,  pain, 
Seem  the  wild  phantoms  of  the  vulgar  brain  j 
Reafon,  collected  fits  above  the  fcheme, 
Proves  God  and  nature  but  an  idle  dream, 
In  one  great  learned  doubt  invelopes  all, 
And  whelms  it's  own  exiftence  in  the  fall, 


BOO    K        VIII.  ■    *29 

Thefe  wide  extremes  of  paflion  and  of  pride 
A  while  on  earth  thy  changing  race  divide  ; 
That  man  may  find  his  limits  and  his  laws, 
Where  zeal  inflames,  or  coward  caution  awes  ; 
And  learn,  by  thefe,  the  happier  courfe  to  fleer, 
Nor  fink  too  low,  nor  mount  beyond  his  fphere. 
And  foon,  that  happier  courfe  thy  race  fhall  gain, 
And  zealots  rave,  and  fceptics  doubt,  in  vain  ; 
While  reafon,  fenfe  and  paflion  aid  the  foul, 
Science  her  guide  and  truth  the  eternal  goal. 

Firft,  his  own  powers  the  man,  with  care,  defcrie  . 
What  nature  gi  ves,  and  various  art  fupplics  j 
Rejects  the  ties  of  controverfial  rules, 
The  pride  of  names,  the  prejudice  of  fchools  ; 
The  fure  foundation  lays,  on  which  to  rife, 
To  look  thro'  earth  and  meditate  the  fkies  : 
And  finds  fome  general  laws  in  every  breaft, 
Where  ethics,  faith  and  politics  may  reft. 

Of  human  powers,  theSenfes  always  chief, 
Produce  inftruction  or  inforce  belief; 
Reafon,  as  next  in  fway,  the  balance  bears, 
Receives  their  tidings,  and  with  fkill  compares, 
Reflrains  wild  fancy,  calms  the  impaflion'd  foul, 
Illumes  the  judgment  and  refines  the  whole. 
Senfe,  the  great  fource  of  knowledge,  ever  juft, 
High  in  command,  but  faithful  to  its  truft, 
Aid  of  this  life,  and  fuited  to  its  place, 
Given  to  fecure,  but  not  exalt  the  race ; 


*30  BOOK        VIII. 

Pefcries  no  God,  nor  claims  fuperior  birth, 
And  knows  no  life  beyond  the  bounds  of  earth. 
Reafon,  tho'  taught  by  fenfe  to  range  on  high, 
To  trace  the  ftars  and  meafure  all  the  fky  5 
Tho*  fancy,  memory,  forefight  fill  her  train, 
And  o'er  the  bead  fhe  lifts  the  pride  of  man, 
Yet,  ftill  to  matter,  form  and  fpace  confined, 
Or  moral  truths,  or  laws  that  rule  mankind, 
Gould  ne'er  unaided  pierce  the  mental  gloom, 
Explore  new  fcenes  beyond  the  clofing  tomb, 
Reach  with  immortal  hope  the  bleft  abode, 
Or  raife  one  thought  of  fpirit,  or  of  God. 
Yet  names  of  God,  and  powers  of  heavenly  ftrain 
All  nations  reverence  and  all  tongues  contain  ; 
Thro*  every  age  the  confcious  mind  perceives, 
Reafon  pronounces  and  the  fenfe  believes. 
What  caufe  myfterious  could  the  thought  impart, 
Not  taught  by  nature  nor  acquired  hy  art  ? 
It  fpeaks  of  nature's  God — no  matter  when 
The  name  was  caught,  'tis  never  loft  by  men  ; 
From  clime  to  clime,  from  age  to  age  it  flies, 
Sounds  thro'  the  world  and  echos  to  the  Ikies. 
It  proves  him,  felf-reveal'd  ->  and  all  the  plan 
On  this  connexion  refts  of  God  and  man, 

Obferve,  in  man,  defires  immortal  given, 
To  range  o'er  earth  and  climb  a  happier  heaven  ; 
Yet  fear  and  confcious  guilt  his  flight  reftrain, 
His  God  offended,  and  his  wifhes  vain  : 


BOOK        VIII.  231 

The  wrath  divine  impending  on  his  breaft 
Precludes  the  hope  of  refuge  and  of  reft  ; 
He  ieeks  the  fane,  obtefts  the  avenging  fkies, 
Pours  the  full  tear,  and  yields  the  facrifice  j 
Some  foreign  aid,  fome  mediating  grace, 
He  feeks  to  fnield  him  from  his  Maker's  face. 
All  forms  of  worfhip,  that  engage  mankind, 
In  different  climes  to  various  Powers  confined, 
Require  of  fuppliants  fome  external  aid, 
Some  victim  offer'd,  or  fome  penance  paid, 
Some  middle  name,  or  reconciling  plan, 
To  foothe  the  Godhead  and  redeem  the  man. 
This  thought,  fo  wide  diftufed  thro*  all  mankind, 
Rofe  not  from  earth,  or  force  of  human  mind  ; 
From  heaven  reveal'd,it  mows  fome  fov'reign  fcheme, 
To  link  this  nature  with  the  Power  fupreme. 
From  guilt  and  pain  to  lift  the  foul  on  high, 
And  ope  a  happier  fcene,  a  world  beyond  the  fky. 
From  clime  to  clime  while  rove  the  fage's  eyes, 
Books  croud  on  books,  and  creeds  on  creeds  arife. 
Reafon  refined  with  liberal  eye  furvcys 
The  oppofing  faiths  and  various  modes  of  praife ; 
Yet  finds  in  all,  what  nature  might  approve, 
A  God  of juftice  reconciled  by  love  ; 
With  joy  beholds  the  accordant  fcheme  of  heaven, 
Dire  vengeance  foorh'd,  a  mediation  given, 
Man  freed  from  pain,  the  ftains  of  guilt  removed, 
To  angels  liken'd  and  by  Heaven  approved  *, 


23*  BOOK        VII!. 

Death  bound  in  chains  from  his  old  empire  hurl'd, 
And  peace  and  pardon  promifed  xo  the  world. 

Here  ends  the  toilfome  fearch  ;  in  this  may  reft 
The  doubts  and  fears  that  move  the  labouring  breaftj 
Thefe  few  fair  truths,  to  common  feeling  plain, 
The  work  unfold,  and  every  part  fuftain. 
As,  on  an  arch  of  (lone,  fome  temple  (lands, 
Raifed  to  the  clouds,  and  fhines  to  diftant  lands  j 
The  firm  foundations,  open  to  the  fight, 
Croud,  as  it  grows,  and  ftrengthen  with  the  weight  -, 
Thus,  on  the  characters  of  God  and  man, 
By  Heaven  reveal'd  in  this  conformant  plan, 
The  beauteous  fyftem  refts  -9  and  tho'  awhile, 
Mad  zeal  o'erload  it,  and  cold  fcorn  revile, 
Stands,  felf-exalted,  fuTd  with  native  light, 
Firm  to  the  faith,  and  growing  on  the  fight. 
It  fpeaks  one  fimple,  univerfal  caufe, 
Which  time  and  fpace  from  one  great  centre  draws; 
Whence  this  unfolded,  that  began  its  flight, 
Worlds  fiird  the  Ikies,  and  nature  roll'd  in  light ; 
Whither  all  beings  tend  ;  and  where,  at  lad, 
Their  progrefs,  changes,  imperfections,  paft, 
Matter  fhall  turn  to  light,  to  pleaiure  pain, 
Strife  end  in  union,  angel  form  in  man  j 
From  ftage  to  ftage,  from  life  to  life,  refined, 
All  centre,  whence  they  fprang,  in  one  eternal  Mind. 

In  this  harmonious  round,  united  rife, 
Power  to  create,  and  wifdom  to  devife  ; 


BOOK        VIII.  133 

While  Love  fupreme,  before  all  action,  flood, 
The  firlT,  the  laft,  the  chain  of  general  good  j 
Through  nature's  range  t'  extend  thefway  divine, 
And  neaven  and  earth  in  mild  accordance  join  ; 
To  one  great  moral  Senfe,  all  fenfe  to  draw, 
Strong  as  necefiity,  and  fixt  as  law. 

This  branch  of  Godhead,  thro'  the  fyftem  known, 
Image  and  brightnefs  of  the  Eternal  throne  ; 
By  whom  all  wifdom  Chines,  all  power  extends, 
God  flands  reveal'd  and  Heaven  with  nature  blends, 
Thro'  earth  and  Ikies  proclaim'd  the  indulgent  plan, 
And  fpoke  the  law  to  Angel  and  to  man  -, 
In  man's  clear  view  difplay'd  the  etherial  road, 
To  love  the  neighbour  and  adore  the  God. 
Yet,  firm  in  juflice  as  in  mercy  great, 
His  fovereign  power  directs  the  lcenes  of  fate, 
Wide  o'er  the  world  with  guardian  care  extends, 
Curbs  the  proud  nations  and  the  weak  defends  ; 
That  feeble  faith  and  boafting  fcorn  may  prove 
The  frown  of  vengeance,  or  the  fmile  of  love, 
Holds,  in  his  own  right  hand,  the  dreadful  doom 
Ofwoes  unnumber'dhere,and  death  beyond  the  tomb. 

Fill'd  with  his  fire,  and  guided  by  his  hand, 
See  the  long  train  of  white-robed  prophets  (land  ! 
Thro'  opening  heaven,  their  eyes  fublimely  roll, 
Peace  on  their  tongue,  and  rapture  in  their  foul  ; 
The  pad  records,  the  deeds  of  unborn  time 
Flame  in  their  page,  and  fhine  to  every  clime  : 


Gg 


134  BOO    K        VIII. 

There,  nations  read  their  fate,,  and  kings,  to  comc> 
Find,  in  the  leaves,  their  glory  or  their  doom. 
There  unborn  Cyrus,  preordain'd  to  fame, 
On  Babel's  ruins,  builds  the  Perfian  name  ; 
The  chief  of  Macedon,  the  realm  of  Greece, 
The  Latian  grandeur,  and  the  Prince  of  peace, 
In  order  ranged  their  fong  prophetic  grace, 
And  time  (lands  pointing  to  the  deilined  place. 
When  now,  with  rolling  years  thefe  deeds  of  fame 

Rife  into  light  and  faith  of  nations  claim. 

*~> 

Behold,  on  earth  the  prom i fed  Prince  beftow'd  I 
The  Virgin's  offspring  and  the  filial  God  ; 
T\\q  appointed  ftar  its  rapid  courfe  fufpends, 
The  fides  unfold,  the  my  (He  dove  defcends, 
Glad  fongs  attend  him,  heaven  and  earth  combine, 
To  hail  the  new-born  babe,  and  fpeak  his  birth  divine. 

See  nature's  laws  fufpended  by  his  power  1 
Unclofing  graves  their  fiumbering  dead  reftore, 
Winds  rife  to  waft  him,  dorms,  to  lull  him,  fleep, 
He  walks  the  wave,  and  triumphs  o'er  the  deep  ; 
He  dies,  he  conquers  death,  afcends  on  high, 
And  riling  faints  attend  him  thro'  the  Iky. 

Thus,  all  the  myflic  fcheme,  defign'd  by  heaven, 
With  cleared  light  to  ftedfaft  faith  is  given  ; 
Here  the  great  moral  Senfe,  the  God  conceal'd, 
To  human  fenfe  in  earthly  form  reveal'd, 
Suffers  in  open  day,  to  teach  mankind 
His  fecret  fufferings  in  the  oppofer's  mind  j 


BOOK        VIII.  23s 

To  teach  how  pain  and  death  and  endlefs  woes, 
From  wayward  ftrife,  and  breach  of  order,  rofe  s 
How  each  difcordant  wifh,  the  foul  that  fwells, 
'Gain ft  human  blifs  and  heavenly  power  rebels, 
Weakens  the  chain  of  love,  Tub  verts  the  plan, 
While  nature  drives  the  vengeance  back  on  man. 

Here  all  religion  relis,  and  fuon  thy  race 
Her  pureit  lights,  by  wifdorn's  eye  fhall  trace. 
Here  the  lad  flights  of  feience  fhall  afcenc,. 
To  look  thro'  heaven,  and  feniz  with  reafon  blend  ; 
View  the  great  fource  of  love,  that  flows  abroad, 
Spreads  to  all  creatures,  centres  flill  in  God, 
Lives  thro'  the  whole,  from  nature's  compact  (prints, 
Orders,  reverfes,  Mils  the  funa  of  things ; 
In  law  conftrains,  in  gofpel  reconciles, 
In  judgment  frowns,  in  gentle  mercy  (miles, 
Commands  all  fcnic  to  feel,  all  life  to  prove 
The  attracting  force  of  univerfal  lov'e^ 


THE 


VISION    or    COLUMBUS. 


BOOK    IX. 


ARGUMENT. 

The  Vifion  refumed  and  extended  over  the  whole  earth, 
Prefent  character  of  different  nations.  Future 'prog- 
rejs  effocieiy  with  rejpeel  to  commerce,  difcoveries,  the 
opening  of  canals,  philofophical,  medical  and  political 
knowledge,  the  affimilation  and  final  harmony  of  all 
languages.  Caufe  of  the  fir  ft  confufion  cf  tongues  ex- 
plained; and  the  effeel  of  their  union  defcrifod.  View 
of  a  general  council  of  all  nations  ajfembled  to  ejiab- 
lifh  the  political  harmony  of  mankind.     Cwclufton* 


The    VISION     of     COLUMBUS. 
BOOK     IX. 


X^J  OW,  round  the  yielding  canopy  of  fhade, 
Again  the  Guide  his  heavenly  power  difplay'd. 
Sudden,  the  ftars  their  trembling  fires  withdrew, 
Returning  fplendors  burft  upon  the  view  -, 
Floods  of  unfolding  light  the  fkies  adorn, 
And  more  than  midday  glories  grace  the  morn. 
So  fhone  the  earth,  as  all  the  (tarry  train, 
Broad  as  full  funs,  had  fail'd  theetherial  plain  $ 
When  nodiftinguifh'd  orb  could  ftrike  the  fight, 
But  one  clear  blaze  of  all-furrounding  light 
O'errlow'd  the  vault  of  heaven.     For  now,  in  view 
Remoter  climes  and  future  ages  drew  -y 
While  deeds  of  happier  fame,  in  long  array, 
Call'd  into  vifion,  fill  the  new-born  day. 

Far  as  the  Angelic  Power  could  life  the  eye, 
Or  earth,  or  ocean  bend  the  yielding  fky  ; 
Or  circling  funs  awake  the  breathing  gale, 
Drake  lead  the  way,  or  Cook  extend  the  fail  $ 
All  lands,  all  feas,  that  boaft  a  prefenf  name, 
And  all  that  unborn  time  fhall  give  to  fame, 


24a  BOOK         IX. 

Around  the  chief  in  Fair  expanficn  rife, 

And  earth's  whole  circuit  bounds  the  level'd  fkies^ 

He  law  the  nations  tread  their  different  fhores, 
Ply  their  own  toils  and  claim  their  local  powers. 
He  mark'd  what  tribes  ftill  rove  the  favage  wafte, 
What  happier  realms  the  fweets  of  plenty  tafte  s 
"Where  arts  and  virtues  fix  their  golden  reign, 
Or  peace  adorns,  or  (laughter  dyes  the  plains 
He  faw  the  reftlefs  Tartar,  proud  to  roam, 
Move  with  his  herds,  and  fpread  his  tranfient  home; 
Thro'  the  vail  tracts  of  China's  fixt  domain, 
The  fonsof  dull  contentment  plough  the  plain  ; 
The  gloomy  Turk  afcends  the  blood-ftain'd  car, 
And  Ruffian  banners  fhade  the  plains  of  war  ; 
Brazilian  wilds  and  Afric's  burnino-  fands 
With  bickering  ftrife  inflame  the  furious  bands  -, 
On  bled  Atlantic  ifles,  and  Europe's  ihores, 
Proud  wealth  and  commerce  heap  their  growing  ft  ores, 
While  his  own  weftern  world,  in  profpect  fair, 
Calms  her  brave  fons,  now  breathing  from  the  war, 
Unfolds  her  harbours,  fpreads  the  genial  foil, 
And  welcomes  freemen  to  the  cheerful  toil. 

When  thus  the  Power.     In  this  extended  view, 
Behold  the  paths  thy  changing  race  purfue. 
See,  thro'  the  whole,  the  fame  progreffive  plan, 
That  draws,  for  mutual  fuccour,  man  to  man, 
From  friends  to  tribes,  from  tribes  to  realms  afcend, 
Their  powers,  their  interefts  and  their  paffions  blend; 


BOOK        IX.  241 

Adorn  their  manners,  fecial  virtues  fpread, 
Enlarge  their  compacts  and  extend  their  trade ; 
While  chiefs  like  thee,  with  perfevering  foul, 
Bid  venturous  barks  to  new  difcoveries  roll  ; 
High  in  the  north,  and  tow'rd  the  fouthern  (kies^, 
New  ides  and  nations  greet  the  roving  eyes; 
Till  each  remoteft  realm,  by  friendship  join'd, 
Links  in  the  chain  that  binds  all  human  kind, 
The  union'd  banners  rife  at  lad  unfurl'd, 
And  wave  triumphant  round  the  accordant  world* 

As  fmall  fwift  itreams  their  furious  courfe  impel, 
Till  meeting  waves  their  winding  currents  fwel]  $ 
Then  widening  fvveep  thro*  each  defcending  plain, 
And  move  majeftic  to  the  boundlefs  main  : 
*Tis  thus  fociety's  fmall  fources  rife  ; 
Through  pafTions  wild  their  devious  progrefs  lies  ; 
Intereft  and  faith  and  pride  and  power  withftand, 
And  mutual  ills  the  growing  views  expand  \ 
Till  tribes  and  ftates  and  empires  Find  their  place, 
*And  one  wide  intereft  fways  the  peaceful  race. 

*  Since  finifhing  the  Poem  (the  whole  of  which,  except  a  fmall 
part  of  the  feventh  Book,  was  written  previous  to  the  concltffion  of 
the  late  war)  the  Author  is  happy  to  lind  that  his  gencfil  ideas,  ref- 
pefting  the  future  progrefs  and  final  perfection  of  human  fociety,  are 
iupported  by  thofc  of  fo  refpec~table  a  Character  as  Dr.  Price.  In 
his  Obfervations  on  the  Importance  of  the  American  Revolution, 
he  remarks,  '*  That  Reafon,  as  well  as  Tradition  and  Revelation, 
'*  lead  us  to  expert  that  a  more  improved  and  happy  (rate  of  hu- 
"  man  affairs  will  take  place  before  the  final  confummatiqn  of  all 
"  things.  The  world  has  been  hitherto  gradually  improving  ; 
"  light  and  knowledge  have  been  gaining  ground,  and  human  life 

H  h 


*49  BOOK        IX. 

And  tec,  in  hafte,  the  afcending  fcenes  advance, 
The  ports  unfold,  the  glimmering  navies  dance  -r 

"  at  prefent,  compared  with  what  it  once  was,  is  much  the  fame 
"  that  a  youth  approaching  to  manhood  is,  compared  with  an  in- 
<•  rant." 

It  has  long  been  the  opinion  of  the  Author,  that  fuch  a  ftate  of 
peace  and  happinefs  as  is  foretold  in  fcripture  and  commonly  called 
the  millennial  period,  may  be  rationally  expe&ed  to  be  introduced 
without  a  miracle.  Mec  dais  hitcrjit  n'-Ji  dignus  vbidice  nodus ,  is  a 
maxim,  as  ufeful  to  a  ChriiHan  Philofcpher  as  to  a  Heathen  Poet. 
Although,  from  the  hiilory  of  mankind,  it  appears,  that  the  pro- 
grefs  of  improvement  has  been  flow  and  often  interrupted,  yet  it 
gives  pleafure  to  obferve  the  caufes  of  thefe  interruptions,  and  to 
uiiccrn  the  end  they  were  deiigned  in  the  courfe  of  Providence  to 
anfwer,  in  accelerating  the  fame  events,  which  they  feemed  for  a- 
v.liilc  to  retard.  The  ftate  of  the  arts  among  the  ancients,  viewed 
with  reference  to  the  event  under  confederation »  was  faulty  or  ra- 
ther unfortunate  in  two  particulars  ;  firfi,  in  their  comparative  ef- 
timatioa  ;  zvA /eco>id(y ,  in  their  not  h'ouriming  in  mere  than  one 
nation  at  a  time.  Thefe  circumftances  were  highly  favourable  to 
the  exertions  of  individual  genius,  and  may  be  afiigned  both  as 
caufes  of  the  univerfal  definition  of  the  arts  by  the  Gothic  conqueil, 
and  as  reaiens  why  we  mcuid  not  greatly  lament  that  deftru&ion. 
Frcni  the  iituation  of  mankind  in  the  days  of  ancient  literature', 
it  was  natural  that  thofe  arts  which  depend  on  the  imagination,  fuch 
as  Architecture,  Statuary,  Painting,  Eloquence  and  Poetry,  mould 
claim  the  high  eft  rank  in  the  eftimation  of  a  people.  In  fevcral, 
and  perhaps  all  of  thefe,  the  ancients  remain  unrivaled.  But 
thefe  are  not  the  arts  which  tend  greatly  to  the  general  improve- 
ment pf  mankind.  The  man,  who  in  thefe idays  could  have  afcer- 
tained  the  true  figure  of  the  earth,  would  have  rendered  mere  fer- 
vice  to  the  world,  than  he  that  could  originate  a  heaven  and  fill  it 
with  all  the  Gods  of  Homer  ;  and  had  the  expences  of  the  Egyptian 
pyramids  been  employed  in  furnifhing  fleets  of  difcovery,  to  befent 
out  of  the  Mediterranean,  the  civilized  world  would  probably 
never  have  been  overrun  by  Barbarians.  But  the  feiences  of  Ge- 
ography, Navigation  and  Commerce,  with  all  their  confequential 
•improvements  in  natural  philofcphy  and  humanity,  could  not,  from 
the  nature  of  things,  be  objects  of  great  encouragement  or  enter- 
prize  among  the  ancients.  They  therefore  turned  their  attention 
to  the  cultivation  of  arts  more  fcriking  to  the  fenfes  ;  fuch  as  re- 
quire the  itrongeft  exertion  of  the  human  genius  and  would  be  en- 
titled to  the  higheft  rank  in  any  age  of  univerfal  refinement.  As 
thefe  arts  were  adapted  to  gratify  the  vanity  of  a  prince,  to  fire  the 
ambition  of  a  hero,  cr  to  gain  a  point  in  a  popular  aiTembly,  they 


BOOK        IX.  245 

For  commerce  arnVd  the  different  Powers  combine, 
And  Heaven  approving  aids  the  bleft  defign. 

were  carried  to  a  degree  of  perfection',  which  prevented  their  being 
reliihed  or  underftood  by  barbarians.  The  literature  of  the  world 
therefore  defcended  with  the  line  ofcon^neft  from  cue  nation  to 
another,  till  the  whole  was  (wallowed  up  in  the  Roman  Empire. 
There  its  tendency  was  to  infpire  a  contempt  for  nations  ieis  civil- 
ized, ana  to  induce  the  Romans  to  connder  all  mankind  as  the 
Objects  of  their  infalt,  and  all  countries  as  the  fcenes  of  their  mili- 
tary parade.  Theie  circumilances,  through  a  courfe  oizgcs,  pre- 
pared ,*nd  nna'Iy  opened  a  fcene  of  wretchednefs,  at  which  the  hu- 
man mind  has  been  taught  to  ihudder,  but  it  was  wifely  calculated  to 
reduce  mankind  to  a  fituation,  capable  of  commencing  regular  and 
extentive  improvements,  And,  however  novel  the  fentiment  may 
appear,  yet  the  Author  will  venture  to  aiTcrt,  that,  as  to  the  prof- 
peel  of  univerfai  civilization,  mankind  were  in  a  much  mere  eligi- 
ble fituation  in  the  time  of  Charlemagne  than  they  were  in  the  days 
of  Auguicus.  The  final  dtitruclion  of  the  Roman  empire  left  trie 
nations  of  Europe  in  circumftances  fimilar  to  each  other;  and  their 
confequent  riwilihip  prevented  any  difproportionate  refinement 
from  appearing  in  any  particular  region.  The  feeds  of  govern- 
ment, firmly  rooted  in  the  principles  of  the  feudal  fyitem,  laid  the 
foundation  of  that  balance  of  Power,  which  difcourages  the.  Cxiars 
and  Alexanders  of  mankind  from  attempting  the  con  quell  of  the 
world. 

It  feems  necetfary.  that  the  arrangement  of  events  in  civilizing 
the  world  mould  be  in  the  following  order.  Firj},  all  parts  of  it 
muil  be  confiderably  peopled  ;  fecondly,  the  different  nations  mull 
be  known  to  each  other  ;  and  thirdly,  their  imaginary  wants  mull  be 
increafed,  in  order  to  infpire  apafhon  for  commerce.  7'he  firfl  of 
thefe  objects,  was  probably  not  accomplished  till  a  fate  period.  The 
fecond,  for  three  centuries  paft,  has  been  greatly  accelerated,  buti* 
now  very  far  from  being  completely  obtained.  The  third  is  al- 
ways a  neceffary  coniequence  of  the  two  former.  The  fpirit  of 
commerce  is  happily  calculated  by  the  Author  of  wifdom  to  open 
an  amicable  intercourfe  between  all  countries,  tofoftcn  the  horrors 
of  war,  to  enlarge  the  field  of  fcience  and  fpeculation,  and  to  affi- 
milate  the  manners,  feelings  and  languages  of  all  nations.  This 
leading  principle,  in  its  remoter  confequences,  will  produce  a  the: - 
fand  advantages  in  favour  of  government  and  regiflatioh,  j 
triotiim  the  air  of  Philanthropy,  induce  all  men  to  regard  each  oth- 
er as  brethren  and  friends,  eradicate  all  kinds  of  literary,  religious 
and  political  fuperilkion,  prepare  the  minds  of  all  mankind  for  the 
rational  reception  of  moral  and  religious  truth,  and  finally  evince 
that  fuch  a  fyilem  of  Providence,   as   appears  in  the  unfolding  of 


-44  BOOK        IX. 

Tho' jarring  realms,  awhile  the  combat  wage, 
And  hold  in  lingering  ftrife,  the  unfettled  age  ; 
Yet  no  rude  war,  that  fweeps  the  crimfon  plain, 
Shall  dare  difturb  the  labours  of  the  main. 
For  Heaven  impartial  fpread  the  watery  way, 
Liberal  as  air  and  unconfined  as  day  j 
That  every  diflant  land  the  wealth  might  (hare, 
Exchange  their  fruits  and  fill  their  treafures  there  $ 
Their  fpeech  afiimilate,  their  empires  blend, 
Aivi  mutual  inte reft  fix  the  mutual  friend. 

The  hero  look'd  :  beneath  his  wondering  eyes, 
Bright  dreamers  lengthen  round  the  feas  and  fkies  x 
The  countlefs  nations  open  all  their  flores, 
Load  ev^ry  wave  and  croud  the  mailed  mores  $ 
The  fails,  in  mingling  mazes,  fweep  the  air, 
And  commerce  triumphs  o'er  the  rage  of  war. 

thefe  events,  is  the  befr.  pofliblc  fyitem  to  produce  the  happinefs  of 
creatures.  I  conceive  it  is  no  objection  to  this  plan,  that  the  pro- 
gress has  hitherto  been  {low  ;  when  we  confider  the  vaft  magnitude 
of  the  obj  ctt,  the  ebitruflicns  to  be  removed,  and  the  great  length 
of  time  that  will  probably  be  taken  to  accomplish  it.  To  relume 
the  companion  of  Doctor  Price,  perhaps  the  world  can  hardly  be 
laid  as  yet  to  be  "  approaching  to  manhood"  ;  probably  we  are 
rather  riling  cut  of  infancy  j  we  have  net  yet  been  able  to  wander 
over  the  whole  houfe  and  obferve  upon  the  furniture.  It  is  porhble 
that  feme  confiderable  revolutions  are  yet  to  happen,  before  the 
progrefs  will  be  entirely  free  from  embarrafments.  But  the  gener- 
al fyilerri  appears  {o  rational  and  complete,  that  it  furnimes  a  new 
fource  of  iaiiif  action,  in  contemplating  the  apparent  difpenfations 
of  Heave::. 

The  author  firit  ventured  upon  thefe  ideas,  in  the  ccurfe  of  the 
Fcjin,  with  ail  the  timidity  of  youth  ;  determining  not  to  rifk  a  fe- 
ribus  illuftratton  of  the  feritiment  in  profe.  But  finding  that  a  theo- 
3V  io  pleafing to  himielf  has  not  been  unnoticed  by  others,  he  feels 
a  greater  confidence  in  the  fubject,  and  hopes  the  importance  of  it 
will  apologize  to  the  reader  for  to  lengthy  a  note. 


BOOK        IX.  245 

From  Baltic  ftreams,  that  fwell  in  lonely  pride, 
From  Rhine's  long  courfe,andTexel's  labouring  tide, 
From  Gallia's  coaft,  from  Albion's  hoary  height, 
And  fair  Hibernia,  clothed  in  purer  light, 
Hifpania's  ftrand,  that  two  broad  oceans  lave, 
From  Senegal's  and  Tagus'  winding  wave, 
The  gathering  malts,  in  peaceful  fquadrons,  rife, 
And  wave  their  cloudly  curtains  to  the  fkies. 
Thro'  the  deep  (trait  that  leads  the  midland  tide, 
The  fails  look  forth  and  fwell  their  beauteous  pride; 
Where  AuVs  ifles  and  utmoft  fhores  extend, 
Like  rifing  funs,  the  fheeted  malts  afcend, 
And  join  with  peaceful  toil  the  friendly  train, 
No  more  to  combat  on  the  liquid  plain. 
In  diftant  glory,  where  the  watery  way 
Spreads  the  blue  borders  of  defcending  day, 
The  flowing  flags  unfold,  in  lengthening  fweep, 
Pride  of  the  world  and  daughters  of  the  deep. 
From  Arctic  heavens,  and  deep  in  fouthern  fkies, 
Where  froft  recedes  as  blooms  of  culture  rife — 
Where  eaftern  Amur's  lengthening  current  glides, 
Where  California  breaks  the  billowy  tides, 
Peruvian  ftreams  their  golden  margins  boaft, 
And  fprcading  Chili  leads  the  channei'd  coaft, 
The  pinions  fwell  -,  till  all  the  cloud-like  train, 
From  pole  to  pole,  o'erfhades  the  whitening  main. 
So  fome  imperial  Seraph,  placed  on  high, 
From  heaven's  fublimeft  tower  o'erlook'd  the  iky  \ 


246  BOOK        IX. 

When  fpace  unfolding  heard  the  voice  of  God, 
And  funs  and  ftars  and  fyftems  roll'd  abroad, 
Caught  their  rlrft  fplendors  from  the  all-beaming  Eye 
Began  their  years,  and  vaulted  round  the  fky ; 
Their  mingling  fpheres  in  bright  confufion  play> 
Exchange  their  beams  and  fill  the  new-born  day. 

He  law,  as  widely  fpreads  the  unchannel'd  plain. 
Where  inland  realms  for  ages  bloom'd  in  vain, 
Canals,  long-winding,  ope  a  watery  flight, 
And  diftant  ftreams  and  feas  and  lakes  unite. 
Where  Darien  hills  o'erlook  the  gulphy  tide^ 
By  human  *rt>  the  ridgy  banks  divide ; 
Afcend'mg  fails  the  opening  pafs  purfue, 
And  waft  the  fparkling  treafures  of  Peru. 
Jeneiro's  flream  from  Plata  winds  his  way, 
And  bold  Madiera  opes  from  Paraguay. 
From  fair  Albania,  tow'rd  the  falling  fun, 
Back  thro*  the  midland,  lengthening  channels  run, 
Meet  the  far  lakes,  their  beauteous  towns  that  lave, 
And  Hudfon  join  to  broad  Ohio's  wave. 
From  dim  Superior,  whofe  unfathorn'd  fea 
Drinks  the  mild  fplendors  of  the  fetting  day, 
New  paths,  unfolding,  lead  their  watery  pride, 
And  towns  and  empires  rife  along  their  fide  ; 
To  Miflifippi's  fource  the  paries  bend, 
And  to  the  broad  Pacific  main  extend. 
From  the  red  banks  of  blefl  Arabia's  tide, 
Thro'  the  dread  Ifthmus,  waves  unwonted  glide  ; 


BOOK        IX.  247 

From  Europe's  crouded  coafts  while  bounding  fails 
Look  through  the  pafs  and  call  the  Afian  gales, 
Volga  and  Oby  diftant  oceans  join, 
And  the  long  Danube  meets  the  rolling  Rhine  ; 
While  other  dreams  that  cleave  the  midland  plain, 
Spread  their  new  courfes  to  the  diftant  main. 

He  faw  the  afpiring  genius  of  the  age 
Soar  in  the  bard  and  ftrengthen  in  the  fage  -, 
With  daring  thought  thro'  time's  long  flight  extend, 
Rove  the  wide  earth  and  with  the  heaven  afcend ; 
Bid  each  fond  wifh,  that  leads  the  foul  abroad, 
Breathe  to  all  men,  to  nature  and  to  God. 

He  faw,  where  pale  difeafes,  wont  to  brave 
The  pride  of  art,  and  croud  the  untimely  grave, 
With  long-wrought  life  the  nations  learn  to  glow, 
And  blooming  health  adorn  the  locks  of  mow, 
A  countlefs  train  the  healing  fcience  aid, 
Its  power  eftablifh.  and  its  blefilngs  fpread  ; 
In    every  fhape,  that  varying  matter  gives, 
That  relis  or  ripens,  vegetates  or  lives, 
By  chymic  power  the  (firings  of  health  they  trace, 
And  add  new  beauties  to  the  joyous  race. 

While  thus  the  realms  their  mutual  glories  lend, 
Unnumber'd  fires  the  cares  of  date  attend  ; 
Bled  with  each  human  art,  and  fkill'd  to  find, 
Each  wild  device  that  prompts  the  wayward  mind  ; 
Wrhat  foft  reftra+nts  the  untemper'd  breaft  requires, 
To  tafte  new  joys  and  cherifli  new  defires, 


24*  BOOK        IX* 

Expand  the  felfifh  to  the  fecial  flame, 

And  fire  the  foul  to  deeds  of  nobler  fame. 

They  fee,  in  all  the  boafted  paths  of  praife, 

What  partial  views  heroic  ardor  raife  ; 

What  mighty  dates  on  others'  ruins  flood, 

And  built,  fecure,  their  haughty  feats  in  blood  ; 

How  public  virtue's  ever-borrow'd  name 

With  proud  applaufe  hath  graced  the  deeds  offhames 

Bade  Rome's  imperial  dandard  wave  fublime, 

And  patriot  flaughter  fpread  to  every  clime ; 

From  chief  to  chief,  the  kindling  fpirit  ran, 

The  heirs  of  fame  and  enemies  of  man. 

Where  Grecian  dates  in  even  balance  hung, 
And  warm'd  with  jealous  fires  the  fage's  tongue, 
The  exclufive  ardor  cherim'd  in  the  bread 
Love  to  one  land,  and  hatred  to  the  red. 
And  where  the  flames  of  civil  difcord  rage, 
And  kindred  arms  deductive  combat  wage, 
The  unchanging  virtue  rifes,  dili  the  fame, 
To  build  a  Cromwell's  as  a  Charles's  name, 

No  more  the  noble  patriotic  mind, 
To  narrow  views  and  local  laws  confined, 
'Gaind  neighbouring  lands  directs  the  public  rage, 
Plods  for  a  realm  or  counfels  for  an  age ; 
But  lifts  a  larger  thought,  and  reaches  far, 
Beyond  the  power,  beyond  the  wifh  of  war  ; 
For  realms  and  ages  forms  the  general  aim, 
Makes  patriot  views  and  moral  views  the  fame, 


BOOK        IX.  249 

Sees  with  prophetic  eye  in  peace  combined, 

The  ftrength  and  happinefs  of  human-kind. 
Now  had  the  hero,  with  delighted  eye, 

Roved  o'er  the  climes,  that  lengthen^  round  the  fky  -, 

When  the  bleft  Guide  his  heavenly  power  dilplay'd, 

The  earth  all  trembles  and  the  vifions  fade  : 

Thro'  other  fcenes  defcending  ages  roll, 

And  ftill  new  wonders  open  on  his  foul. 

Again  his  view  the  range  of  nature  bounds, 

Confines  the  concave  and  the  world  furrounds  ; 

When  the  wide  nations  all  arife  more  near, 

And  a  mixt  tumult  murmurs  in  his  ear. 

At  firft,  like  heavy  thunders,  borne,  afar, 

Or  the  dire  conflict  of  a  moving  war, 

Or  waves  refounding  on  the  craggy  fhore, 

Hoarfe  roll'd  the  loud-toned  undulating  roar. 

At  length  the  founds,  like  human  voices,  rife, 
And  different  nations'  undiftinguihYd  cries 
Flow  from  all  climes  around  in  wild  career, 
And  orate  harfh  difcord  in  the  aching  ear. 
Now  more  diftinct  the  wide  concufllon,  grown., 
Rolls  forth,  at  times,  an  accent  like  his  own  ; 
While  thoufand  tongues  from  different  regions  pour, 
And  drown  all  words  in  one  convulfing  roar. 
By  turns  the  founds  affimilating  rife, 
And  fmoother  voices  gain  upon  the  fkies  ; 
Mingling  and  foftercing  dill,  in  every  gale, 
O'er  the  harfh  tones  harmonious  drains  prevail. 

I  i 


250  BOOK        IX. 

At  lad  a  Ample,  univerfal  found 
Fills  every  clime  and  foothes  the  world  around ; 
From  echoing  fhores  the  fwelling  ftrain  replies, 
And  moves  melodious  o'er  the  warbling  ileies. 

Such  wild  commotions  as  he  heard  and  view'd, 
In  fixt  aftonilhment  the  hero  flood, 
And  thus  befought  the  Guide  :  Celeftial  friend, 
What  good  to  man  can  thefe  dread  fcenes  intend  ? 
What  dire  diitrefs  attends  that  boding  found, 
That    breathes  hoarfe    thunder  o'er  the  trembling 
War  fure  has  ceafed;  or  have  my  erring  eyes  [ground: 
Mifread  the  glorious  vifions  of  the  fkies  ? 
Tell  then,  my  Seer,  if  future  earthquakes  fleep, 
Clofed  in  the  confeious  caverns  of  the  deep, 
Waiting  the  day  of  vengeance,  when  to  roll, 
And  rock  the  rending  pillars  of  the  pole  ? 
Or  tell  if  ought,  more  dreadful  to  my  race, 
In  thefe  dark  figns,  thy  heavenly  wifdom  trace  I 
And  why  the  wild  confufion  melts  again, 
In  the  fmooth  glidings  of  a  tuneful  ftrain  ? 

The  voice  of  Heaven  replied  ;  Thy  fears  give  o'er  ; 
The  rage  of  war  fhall  fweep  the  plains  no  more  5 
No  dire  diftrefs  thefe  ftrange  events  foredoom, 
But  give  the  marks  of  nobler  joys  to  come  ; 
The  tongues  of  nations,  here,  harmonious  blend, 
Till  one  pure  language  thro'  the  earth  extend. 

Thou  knoweft,  when  impious  Babel  dared  arife, 
With  facred  rites  to  grace  the  fcarry  flcie$j 


BOOK        IX.  251 

Tumultuous  difcord  feized  the  trembling  bands, 
Oppofed  their  labours  and  unnerved  their  hands, 
Difperfed  the  bickering  tribes,  and  drove  them  far, 
To  roam  the  wade  and  fire  their  fouls  for  war  ; 
Bade  kings  arife,  and  from  their  feats  be  huiTd, 
And  pride  and  conqueft  range  the  extended  world. 

In  this  the  marks  of  heavenly  wifdom  fhine, 
And  fpeak  the  counfel,  as  the  hand,  divine. 
In  that  far  age,  when  o'er  the  world's  broad  wafte, 
Surrounding  fnades  their  gloomy  horrors  cad, 
If  men,  while  pride  and  power  the  bread  inflamed, 
By  fpeech  allied,  one  natal  region  claim'd, 
No  timorous  tribe  a  different  clime  would  gain, 
Or  lift  the  fail,  or  dare  the  billowy  main. 
Fixt  in  a  central  fpot  their  luft  of  power 
Would  rage  infatiate,  and  the  race  devour  ; 
A  howling  wafte  the  unpeopled  world  remain, 
And  oceans  roll,  and  climes  extend  in  vain. 

Far  other  counfel 3,  in  die  Eternal  Mind, 
Lead  on  the  unconfeious  fteps  of  human  kind  ; 
O'errule  the  ills  their  daring  crimes  produce, 
By  ways  unfeen,  to  ferve  the  happieft:  ufe. 
For  this,  the  early  tribes  were  taught  to  range, 
For  this,  their  language  and  their  laws  to  change ; 
Tempt  the  wide  wave  and  warm  the  genial  foil, 
To  crown  with  fruits  the  hardy  hand  of  toil, 
Divide  their  forces,- wheel  the  conquering  car, 
Deal  mutual  death,  and  civilize  bv  war. 


252 


BOOK         IX, 


And  now  the  effects,  thro*  every  land,  extend, 
Thefe  dread  events  have  found  their  fated  end  -, 
Unnumber'd  tribes  have  dared  the  favage  wood, 
And  dreams  unnumber'd  fwell'd  with  human  blood, 
Increafing  nations  with  the  years  of  time, 
Spread  their  wide  walks  to  each  delighted  clime, 
To  mutual  wants  their  bartered  tributes  paid, 
Their  counfels  foften'd  and  their  wars  allay'd  ; 
While  powerful  commerce  bids  the  flag  unroll, 
And  wave  the  union  of  the  accordant  whole. 

"At  this  bleft  period,  when  thy  peaceful  race 
Shall  fpeak  one  language  and  one  caufe  embrace, 
Science  and  arts  a  fpeedier  courfe  ihall  find, 
And  open  earlier  on  the  infant  mind. 
No  foreign  terms  (hall  croud  with  barbarous  rules. 
The  dull,  unmeaning  pageantry  of  fchools  \ 
Nor  dark  authorities,  nor  names  unknown 
Fill  the  learn'd  head  with  ign'rance  not  its  own  ; 
But  truth's  fair  eye,  with  beams  unclouded,  fhine, 
And  fimpleft  rules  her  moral  lights  confine  ; 
One  living  language,  one  unborrow'd  drefs 
Her  boldeft  flights  with  happieft  force  exprefs  ; 
Triumphant  virtue,  in  the  garb  of  truth, 
Win  a  pure  paflfage  to  the  heart  of  youth, 
Pervade  all  climes,  where  funs  or  oceans  roll, 
And  bid  the  gofpel  cheer  the  illumined  whole. 
As  the  glad  day-ftar,  on  his  golden  throne, 
Fair  type  of  truth  and  promife  of  the  fun, 


BOOK        IX,  253 

Smiles  up  the  orient,  in  his  rofy  ray, 
Illumes  the  front  of  heaven,  and  leads  the  day  5 
Thus  foaring  Science  daughter  of  the  Ikies, 
Firft  o'er  the  nations  bids  her  beauties  rife, 
Prepares  the  glorious  way,  to  pour  abroad 
The  beams  of  Heaven's  own  morn,  the  fpiendors  of  a 
Then  bled  Religion  leads  the  raptured  mind,    [God. 
Thro'  brighter  fields  and  pleafures  more  refined  -y 
Teaches  the  roving  eye,  at  one  broad  view, 
To  glance  o'er  time  and  look  Exiflence  thro', 
See  worlds,  and  worlds,  to  Being's  fonniefs  end, 
With  all  their  hefts,  on  one  dread  Power  depend, 
Seraphs  and  funs  and  iyftems  round  him  rife, 
Live  in  his  life  and  kindle  from  his  eyes, 
His  boundlefs  love,  his  a] i- pervading  foul 
Illume,  fublime  and  harmonize  the  whole  ; 
Teaches  the  pride  of  man  to  fix  its  bound, 
In  one  fmall  point  of  this  amazing  round  ; 
To  fhrink  and  re.il,  where  Heaven  has  fix'd  its  fate, 
A  line  its  fpace,  a  moment  for  its  date  ; 
Inftructs  the  heart  a  nobler  joy  to  tafte, 
And  fhare  its  feelings  with  another's  breaft, 
Extend  its  warmed  wifh  for  all  mankind, 
And  catch  the  image  of  the  Maker's  mind  ; 
While  mutual  love  commands  all  fbrife  to  ceafe, 
And  earth  join  joyous  in  the  fongs  of  peace. 
Thus  heard  the  chief,  impatient  to  behold 
The  expected  years,  in  all  their  charms,  unfold  -, 


154  BOOK         IX. 

The  foul  flood  fpeaking  thro'  his  gazing  eyes, 
And  thus  his  voice  ;  Oh,  bid  the  vifions  rife  ! 
Command,  celeftial  guide,  from  each  far  pole, 
The  blifsful  morn  to  open  on  my  foul  ; 
And  lift  thofe  fcenes,  that  ages  fold  in  night, 
Living,  and  glorious,  to  my  longing  fight  ; 
Let  heaven^  unfolding,  ope  the  eternal  throne, 
And  all  the  concave  flame  in  one  clear  fun  ; 
On  clouds  of  fire,  with  Angels  at  his  fide, 
The  Prince  of  peace,  the  King  of  Salem  ride, 
With  fmiles  of  love  to  greet  the  raptured  earth, 
Call  numbering  ages  to  a  fecond  birth  ; 
With  all  his  white-robed  millions  fill  the  train, 
And  here  commence  the  interminable  reign. 

Such  views,thePower  replies,would  drown  thy  fight. 
And  feal  thy  vifions  in  eternal  night  -, 
Nor  Heaven  permits,  nor  Angels  can  difplay 
The  unborn  glories  of  that  blifsful  day. 
Enough  for  thee,  that  thy  delighted  mind, 
Should  trace  the  deeds  and  bleflings  of  thy  kind  ; 
That  time's  defcending  vale  mould  ope  fo  far, 
Beyond  the  reach  of  wretchednefs  and  war  j 
Till  all  the  paths  in  Heaven's  extended  plan, 
Fair  in  thy  view  mould  lead  the  fleps  of  man  ; 
Xp  form,  at  lad,  in  earth's  benighted  ball, 
Union  of  parts  and  happinefs  of  all. 
To  thy  glad  view  thefe  rolling  fcenes  have  mown, 
What  boundlefs  blcfiings  thy  vail  labours  crown  ; 


BOOK        D£>  255 

That,  with  the  joys  of  unborn  ages  bleft> 

Thy  foul,  exulting,  may  retire  to  reft, 

And  find,  in  regions  of  unclouded  day, 

What  heaven's  bright  walks  and  endlefs  years  difplay. 

Behold,  once  more,  around  the  earth  and  fky, 
The  laft  glad  virions  wait  thy  raptured  eye. 
The  great  Obferver  look'd ;  the  land  and  fea, 
In  folemn  grandeur,  ftretch'd  beneath  him,  lay; 
Here  fwell  the  mountains,  there  the  oceans  roll, 
And  beams  of  beauty  kindle  round  the  pole. 
O'er  all  the  range,  where  coafts  and  climes  extend, 
In  glorious  pomp  the  works  of  peace  afcend. 
Robed  in  the  bloom  of  ipring's  eternal  year, 
And  ripe  with  fruits,  the  fame  glad  fields  appear, 
On  each  long  ftrand  unnumber'd  cities  run, 
Bend  their  bright  walls  and  fparkle  to  the  fun  ; 
The  ftreams,  all  freighted  from  the  bounteous  plain, 
Swell  with  the  load  and  labour  to  the  main  * 
Where  widening  waves  command  a  bolder  gale, 
And  prop  the  pinions  of  a  broader  fail  : 
Sway'd  with  the  floating  weight,  the  ocean  toils, 
And  joyous  nature's  lad  perfection  fmiles. 

Now,  fair  beneath  his  view,  the  important  age 
Leads  the  bold  actors  on  a  broader  ftao;e  ; 
When,  clothed  majeftic  in  the  robes  of  ftate, 
Moved  by  one  voice,  in  general  council  meet 
The  fathers  of  all  empires  :  'twas  the  place, 
Near  the  fir  ft  footfteps  of  the  human  race  ; 


256  BOOK        IX. 

Where  wretched  men,  firil  wandering  from  their  God, 
Began  their  feuds  and  led  their  tribes  abroad. 
In  this  mid  region,  this  delightful  clime, 
Rear'd  by  whole  realms,  to  brave  the  wrecks  of  rime, 
A  fpacious  ftrucxure  rofe,  fublimely  great, 
The  lafb  refort,  the  unchanging  fcene  of  date- 
On  rocks  of  adamant  the  walls  afcend, 
Tall  columns  heave,  and  Parian  arches  bend  j 
High  o'er  the  golden  roofs,  the  rifing  fpires, 
Far  in  the  concave  meet  the  folar  fires  ; 
Four  blazing  fronts,  with  gates  unfolding  highr 
Look,  with  immortal  fplendor,  round  the  Iky  : 
Hither  the  delegated  fires  afcend, 
And  all  the  cares  of  every  clime  attend. 
As  the  fair  flrft-born  melTengers  of  heaven, 
To  whom  the  care  of  ftars  and  funs  is  give'n, 
When  the  laft  circuit  of  their  winding  fpheres 
Hath  finifh'd  time  and  mark'd  their  fum  of  years* 
From  all  the  bounds  offpace  (their  labours  done) 
Shall  wing  their  triumphs  to  the  eternal  throne  ; 
Each,  from  his  far  dim  fky,  illumes  the  road, 
And  fails  and  centres  tow'rd  the  mount  of  God  ; 
There,  in  mid  heaven,  their  honoured  feats  to  fpread, 
And  ope  the  untarnifh'd  volumes  of  the  dead  : 
So,  from  all  climes  of  earth,  where  nations  rife, 
Or  lands  or  oceans  bound  the  incumbent  fkics, 
Wing'd  with  unwonted  fpeed,  the  gathering  throng, 
in  fhips  and  chariots,  fhape  their  courfe  along  ; 


BOOK         IX;  257 

Till,  wide  o'er  earth  and  fea,  they  win  their  way, 

Where  the  bold  ftructure  flames  againft  the  day  ; 

There,  hail  the  fplendid  feat  by  Heaven  affign'd, 

To  hear  and  give  the  counfels  of  mankind. 

Now  the  dread  concourfe,  in  the  ample  dome, 

Pour  thro'  the  arches  and  their  feats  aflume ; 

Far  as  the  extended  eye  can  range  around, 

Or  the  deep  trumpet's  folemn  voice  refound, 

Long  rows  of  reverend  fires,  fublime,  extendi 

And  cares  of  worlds  on  every  brow  fufpend. 

High  in  the  front,  for  manlier  virtues  known, 

A  fire  elect,  in  peerlefs  grandeur,  monej 

And  rifing  oped  the  univerfal  caufe, 

To  give  each  realm  its  limit  and  its  laws  ; 

Bid  the  1  aft  breath  of  dire  contention  ceail*, 

And  bind  all  regions  in  the  leagues  of  peace, 

Bid  one  great  empire,  with  extenfive  fway, 

Spread  with  the  fun  and  bound  the  walks  of  daw 

One  centred  fyftem,  one  all-ruling  foul, 

Live  thro'  the  parts,  and  regulate  the  whole. 

Here,  faid  the  Angel  with  a  blifsful  fmile, 

Behold  the  fruits  of  thy  unwearied  toil. 

To  yon  far  regions  of  defcending  day, 

Thy  fwelling  pinions  led  the  untrodden  way, 

Ami  taught  mankind  adventurous  deeds  to  dare, 

To  trace  new  feas  and  peaceful  empires  rear  ; 

Hence,  round  the  'globe,  their  rival  fails,  unfurl'd, 

Have  waved,  at  laft,  in  union  o'er  the  world. 

K  k 


258  BOOK         IX. 

Let  thy  delighted  foul  no  more  complain, 
Of  dangers  braved  and  griefs  endured  in  vain, 
Of  courts  infidious,  envy's  poifon'd  ftings, 
The  lofs  of  empire  and  the  frown  of  kings ; 
While  thefe  bright  fcenes  thy  glowing  thoughts  com- 
To  fpurn  the  vengeance  of  infuking  foes ;        [pofe. 
And  all  the  joys,  defcending  ages  gain, 
Repay  thy  labours  and  remove  thy  pain. 

The      END. 


SUBSCRIBERS     NAMES. 

JnJ_IS  mod  Christian  Majesty,   25   copies. 
His  Excellency,  George  Wafhington,  Eiq.  20  copies. 
Maj.  Gen.  le  Marquis  de  la  Fayette,   10  copies. 
Mr.  John  B.  Church,  Merchant,  London,  50  copies. 

State  of  New-Hampshire. 

N.  B.     /;/  thofe  inftances  where  the  Publifier  has  not 
been  able  to  of  certain  the  prefer  Addrejfes,  the  Names  are 

inferted  without  any  additions. 

Nathaniel  Adams,  Efq.  Portfmouth. 
George  Atkinfon,  do. 
William  Appleton,  do. 

Rev.  Jofeph  Buckminfter,  do. 
Jolliua  Brackett,  do. 

Mr.    Samuel  Cutts,  -Merchant,  do, 

Jofeph  Champney^  do. 
Do 61.  Ammi  R.  Cutter,  do. 
Mr.   John  Calef,  Dartmouth  College. 

Oliver  Gallup,  do. 

William  Gardner,  Portfmouth. 

George  Gains,  do. 

Rev.  Samuel  Haven,  D.  D.  do. 

Mr.  John  Hubbard,  Dartmouth  College. 

His  Excellency,  John  Langdon,  Portfmouth, 

Thomas  Martin,  do. 


SUBSCRIBERS    NAMES. 

John  Pickering,  Efq. 

John  Pen  ha]  low,  do. 

John  Parker,  do. 

Noah  Parker,  do. 

Davenport  Phelps,  Efq.  Orford. 

Pvsv.  Silvanus  Ripley,  S.  T.  P.  Dartmouth  College. 

William  Sheafe,  Portfmouth. 
J.  Sheafe,  jun.  do. 
Samuel  Sherburne,  Efq. 
John  Sparhawk,  do. 
Keith  Spence,  do. 
Thomas  Simprig,  do. 
Peter  Sanburn,   Dartmouth  College. 
Hon.  William  Whipple,  Portfmouth. 

State  of  Massachusetts. 


Mai.  Mpfes  Afhley,  Stockbridge,  i  copies, 
Jofeph  Allen,  Efq.  Worcefler. 

Mr.    Levi  Bradley,   Southvvick, 
Capt.  Harry  Burbeck,  Boflon,  -2  copies. 
Capt.  John  Blanchard,  Sutton,  6  copies. 
Mr.    Samuel  Barnard,  jun.  Deerficld. 
Mr.    William  Bigalow,  Conway. 
Mr.    Daniel  Bigalow,  Peterfham. 
Ralph  PI.  Bowles. 

Capt.  Nathaniel  Cufhing. 
Capt.  Peter  Calling,  Martinique. 
Mr.    Thomas  H.  Condy,  Bofton. 
Mr.    Calvin  Crane,  Norton. 
Capt.  Amos  Cogfwell,  Haverhill. 
Mr.     John  Carey,  Bofton, 


SUBSCRIBERS    NAMES. 

Capt.  Jofh.ua  Clap,  Rutland. 

Capt.  Jofeph  Dameh,  Hollifton,  2  copies. 
Mr.     Thomas  D wight,  Springfield. 
Levi  Dodge. 

Mr.     Eliphalet  Emery,  Newbury,  2  copies. 
Capt.  Azariah  Eglefton,  Lenox. 

Thomas  Edwards,  Efq.  Bofton. 

Royal  Flint,  Efq.  Bofton,  6  copies. 
Dodt.  Jofeph  Fifk. 

Frederick  Fry. 

Samuel  Fowler,  Efq.  Weftfield. 

Dwight  Fofter,  Efq.   Brookfield. 
Capt.  Jofeph  Fox,  3  copies. 

Mr.    William  Greenleaf,  Haverhill,  2  copies. 
Doct.  F.  L.  B.  Goodwin,  Plymouth,  2  copies. 

Thomas  Gold,  Efq.  Pittsfield. 
Mr.    John  Greene,  Stoneham. 

Maj.  Gen.  William  Heath,  Roxbury,  6  copies. 

Mr.     Elihu  Horton,  Milton. 

Capt.  I.  Hobby,  Cambridge,  3  uupics. 

Capt.  JeffeHollifter. 

Mr.     John  Hurd,  Bofton. 

Samuel  Hinkly,  Efq.  Northampton. 

Mr,     Hildreth. 

Capt.  Thomas  Hartfhorn,  Reading. 

John  Haftings,  Cambridge,  3  copies. 

Capt.  Simeon  Jackfon,  Newton,  3  copies. 
Mr.     Jofeph  Jones,  Wefton. 
Mr.     Amafa  Jackfon,  Newton. 
Mr.    Sam.  Jefterds,  Bofton. 


SUBSCRIBERS   NAMES. 

Maj.  Gen.  Henry  Knox,  Bofton,  6  copies. 
Mr.  William  Kendey,  Stoughton. 
Mr.  Ebenczer  Kent,  Charleftown. 

Maj.  Gen.  Benjamin  Lincoln,  Hingham,  12  copies. 
Doctor  William  Lauton,  Leicefter. 

Mr.  Jofeph  Miller,  Worcefter. 
Capt.  John  Maynard,  Framingham. 

Abner  Morgan,  Efq.  Brimfield. 
Col.  Hugh  Maxwell,  Claremont,  2  copies. 
Mr.  Alpheus  Moore,  Lancailer. 
Mr.  Jofeph  Miller. 

Col.  Robert  Oliver,  Conway,  2  copies. 

Maj.  Gen.  John  Paterfon,  Lenox,   10  copies, 
Mr.  Levi  Parker,  Weftfield,  2  copies. 
Mr.   Edward  Phelow,  Halifax,  2  copies. 
Capt.  John  Prichard,  Medford. 
Mr.  Anthony  Payne,  Pittsfield. 
Mr.  E.  Parker. 

Benjamin  Parker,  Andover. 

John  Phelps,  Efq.   Weftfield. 

Nathaniel  Payne,  Efq.  Groton. 

Zena  Parfons,  Springfield. 

Mr.  Oliver  Rice,  Sunbury,  2  copies, 
Doclor  Tilly  Rice  :jun'r.  Brookfield. 


Hon.  Tneo.  Sedgwick,  Stockbridge. 
Hon.  Caleb  Strong,  Northampton. 

Simeon  Strong,  Efq.  Amherft. 

John  Sprague,  Efq.  Lancailer. 
Mr.     Morfe-Shepard,  Norton. 

James  Swan,  Bofton. 

Caleb  Swan,  Fryfbury, 


SUBSCRIBERS     NAMES. 

Mr.     I.  Sturdevant,  Rox.  2  co.       Maj.  Henry  Sewall,  York,  2  co. 

Col.    Calvin  Smith, 2  co.      Hon.   David  Sewall,  do. 

Capt.  E.  Smith,  N.-Marl.  2  co.  John  Stowers,  WorceHer: 

Capt.  J.  K.  Smith,  Bolton,  2  co.     Maj.    John  Spurr, ,  2  co. 

Mr.     Jar.  Smith,  Mendon,  2  co.    Mr.      S.  L.  Scammel,  Mil.  2  co. 
Gen.  Benj.  Tupper,  Cheftertield.  Capt.  Tho.  Turner,  Boilon,  3  co. 
Col.    Lem.  Treicott,  Doch.  4  co.  Do&.  J .  Thachcr,  B  -  3  co. 

Capt.  James  Tiidale,  Dedham. 

Jofeph  Woodward,  Boilon.    Capt.  R..  Walkep,  Windfbr,  6  co. 
Capt.  A.  Wade,  Woolwich.  J.  C.  Williams,  Efq.  Pitti". 

Capt.  Ma.  Wattles,  Balltown,  3  co.  Wm.  Wed,  Eiq.  Plymouth. 

Capt.  C.  Woodbridge,  N.-C.  3  co.Mr.    D.  Wiliard,  Merck.  Wefbn 

State     of      Rhode-Island. 
Mr.     Welcome  Arnold,  Merchant  Providence. 

Hon.  J.  Bowen,Efq.  Lt.  Gov.  do.  Mr.    John  Brown,  Merch.  do. 

Doct.  William  Bowcn,  do.  Mr.     Nicholas  Brown,  co.    do. 

Ephrairn  Bovven,  Eiq.  do.      Mr.     Jofeph  Brown,      do.  do. 

Mr.    Nicholas  Cooke,  do. 

Benjamin  Ellery,  Eiq.  Mendon. 

Rev.  Enos Hitchcock,  Providence. Capt.  Charles  Hardy,  do. 

Mr:  Efeck Hopkins,  Merch.  do.  Maj.  John  Hardy,  Newport. 

Mr.  Tho.  Jenkins,  Merch.  do.     Mr.     John  Jenckes,  Providence. 

Mr.  Seth  Jenkins,  do.  do. 

Mr.     Jofeph  Lawrence,  do.  Mr.     Rob.  Liwton.  do. 

Mr.     Ambrofe  Page,  do. 

Maj.  William  Tyler,  do.  Mr.     Eben.  Tkomfon,  Merch.  do. 

Mr.    William  Wall,  Merchant  do. 

State     of      Connecticut. 

Rev.   John  Avery,  Stamford.  Air.  J.  Allen,  Stu.  at  L.  Litch. 

EliihaAbbe,  Eiq.  Windham. Mr.  R.  Aifojp.  Mer.Mid.  2  co. 

Mr.    E.  Auitin,  Mer.  N.-Haven.  Mils  Polly  Aiibp,  do. 

Mr.     John  Avery,  do.  Hartford.     Mrs.  Elizabeth  Allen,  Hartford, 

Col.    Phi.  B.  Bradley,  Ridgefield.  Doct.  Hez.  Beardfley,  do. 

Col*.    Miles  Beach,  Hartfcrd.  Sh.  Boardman,  Eiq.  N.-M. 

Rev.  Tho.  W.  Bray,  Guilford.     Mr.  Dan.  Boardman,  Merch.  do. 

Rev.  Charles  Backus,  Somers.        Mr.  Elijah  Boardman,  do.  do. 

Mr.    S.  Broome,  M.  N.-Haven.    Mr.  Jonah  Baldwin,  do. 

I.  Baldwin,  Efq.  Litchfield.  Mr.  Reuben  Booth,  do. 

G.Babcock,Eiq.  Ston.  2co.  Mr.  David  Beach,  do. 

T.  Bennedict,Eiq.  Redding. Mr.  Oliver  Boftwick,  do. 

I.Baldwin,  jun.  Efq.  Litch.  Mr.  Ruius  Backus,  Norwich. 

Capt.  Selah  Benton^ .  Mr.  Jeile  Brown,  do. 

L    1 


SUBSCRIBERS    NAMES. 


Capt, 
Doa. 
Mr. 

Mr. 

Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Mils. 


Doft. 

Mr. 


Mr. 

Mr. 
Mr. 


Mr. 
Doa. 

Rev. 

Rev. 


Capt 

Mr. 

Mr. 

Mr. 

Mr. 

Mr. 


Ca?t, 

Mils 

Mr. 

Doa. 

Mr. 
Capt. 
Mr. 
Hon. 


John  Ball,  Guilford. 

lfaac  Brownfon,  Waterbury. 

John  Barret,  Pomphret. 

S.  Baldwin,  Efq.  N. -Haven. 

James  Bennet,  Litchfield. 

Nathan  Bennet,  Norvvalk. 

John  Biftiop. 

Benj.  Bennet,  3  copies. 

E.  Burnham,  Middletown. 

S.Boftwick.jun.Efq.N.-M. 

D.  N.  Brinfmade,E;q.Wafh, 
John  Bird,  Litchfield. 

W.  P.  Beers,  S.  at  Law,  do. 
Jon.  Bull,  Efq.  Hartford. 
J.  Brace,  Efq.  Glartenbury. 
Jon.  Barns,  jun.  Litchfield. 
J.  M.  C.  Breed,  Efq.  Nor. 
Shubael  Breed  do.  5  copies. 
Simeon  Breed,  do. 
I.  Beers,  Efq.  New-Haven. 
Barna  Bidwell,  Efq.  do. 

A.  Bradley,  jun.  Litchfield. 

E.  Beardfley,  New-Haven. 

C.  Chauncey,  Efq.  N. Haven, 
James  Cogfwell,  Windham. 
H.  Channing,  N.  London. 
Eli  Curtis,  Efq.  Watertown 
S.Canfield,Efq.N.Milford 
J .  Cheneverd,Mer.  Hartford 
John  Caldwell,  Mer.  do. 
Peter  Colt,  Mer.  do. 
Eliftia  Colt,  Mer.  do. 
Alex.  Catlin,  Litchfield, 
Lynde  Catlin,  do. 
Jadfort  Canfield,Efq.  Sharon 

B.  Chaplin,  Efq.  Mansfield 
Wm.  Colfax,  New-London. 
Patty  Cornell,  Middletown. 
Wm.  Clark,  New-Milford. 
Jabez  Canfield,  3  copies. 
Abner  Cole. 

Thomas  Converfe,  Goihen. 
John  Cleaveland. 
Eliph.  Dyer,  Efq.  "Windham 
Eben.  Devotion,  Efq.  do. 
Wm.  Dixon,  Efq.  Plainfield 
J.  Davenport, Eiq. Stamford 
James  Davenport,  Efq.  do. 


Doa.  John  Barker,  Franklin. 

J.  G.  Brainard,Efq.  N.-Lon. 
Mr.     Elijah  Buckus,  do. 
Maj.  Eben.  Backus,  Windham. 

David  BifleL  Efq.  do. 

Elias  Buel,  hfq.  Coventry. 
Mr.    J. P.  Buckingham,S.atL.  He. 
Capt.  Aaron  Barlow,  Redding. 
Mr.    D.  Barlow,  Ncw-Fairfield. 
Mr.     Jofiah  Buck,  do. 
,Mifs  Rachel  Baldwin,  do. 

Mr.    William  Brewiter, . 

Mr.    David  Biifs,  Hartford. 
Mr.     Richard  Butler,  do. 
Mr.     George  Bull,  Merchant,  do. 
Capt.  Caleb  Bull,  jun.  do.  do. 
Mr.     Samuel  Burr,  do.  do. 
Mr.    Timothy  Burr,  do.  do. 
Mr.     James  Burr,  do.  do. 

David  Burr,  Efq.  Fairfield. 
Mr.     A.  Bull,  Mer.  Wethersfield. 
Mr.    Baz.  Brown,  Greenwich. 

.Doa.  JcKq  Carrington,  Goflien. 
Capt.  Giles  Curtis,  Berlin. 
Mr.     Conflant  Chapman. 
.Mr.    Jofeph  Caldwell. 
.Mr.    D.  P.  Cook,  New-Haven. 
.Mr.    Elilha  Coit,  Norwich. 
Mr.     Farewell  Coit,  do. 
Mr.     Simeon  Carew,  do. 
Mr.     James  Chriftie,  do. 
Mr.     Wheeler  Coit,     do. 

Etij.  Chapman,  Efq.  Tolland. 
,  Jabsz  Clark,  Efq.  Windham. 

M. Cleaveland. Efq. Canterb. 
Mr.     Julius  Cofwell,  N.  Fairfield. 
Mr.    Aaron  Colman,    do. 
Mr.     John  Crofbie,  Hartford. 
Doa.  Hez.  Chaffe,  jun.  Windfor. 
Mr.     Stephen  Clay,  Middletown. 
Capt.  Lem.  Cleft,  Norwalk. 

.Mr.  Jofeph  Dennifon,  N.  Haven. 

Mr.  Jofeph  Drake,       do. 

.Mr.  BenadamDennifon,Norwich. 

.Mr.  James  Dole. 

Mr,  B.  Deane,  Mer.  Hartford. 


SUBSCRIBERS     NAMES, 


H.  Daggett,  Efq.  N.  Haven.Mr, 
David  Daggett,  Efq.  do.  Mr. 
S .  W.  Dana,  Efq.  Middle-town. 

Hon.  O.  Ellfworth,  Efq.  Windfor.Mr. 

D.  Everit,  Efq.  N.  Milford.Mr. 
Mr.    Wm.  Ellery,  Mer.  Hartford.Mlfs 
Mr.     John  ElliVvorth,  E.  Windfor. 
Capt.  David  Edgar. 

Jabez  Fitch,  Efq.  Greenwich.  Mr. 
Jona.  Frilbic,  Efq.  Norwicn.Mr. 
Wm.  Froit,  Efq.   2  copies.    Mrs. 
Mr.    E.  Fitch,  Tutor  Y.  (Coljege.Mr, 

J.  Gordon,  Efq.  Plainfield.   Mr. 
T.  Grofvenor,  Efq.  Pomfret. 
C.  Goodrich,  Efq.  Hartford. Mr. 

E.  Goodrich,  Efq.  N. Haven. Mr. 
M.Grifvvold,  jr.  Efq.  Lyme. Mr. 
R.  Grifwold,  Eiq.  Norwich 

Iv.  Gilbert,  Eiq.  Hebron. 
Col.    Ebenezer  Gray,  Windham.   Capt. 

His  Ex.  Sam. Huntington,  Norwich. Mr. 

Hon.  Benj.  Huntington,  do.  Mr. 

Gen.  Jed.  Huntington,   do.  Mr. 

Col.    Eben.  Huntington,  do.  Mr. 

Mr.     Andrew  Huntington,  do.  Mr. 

Mr.     Zach.  Huntington,  do.  Capt 
Mr.     Jabez  Huntington,  do. 

Mr.     Caleb  Huntington,  do.  Capt 
Mr.     Levi  Huntington,  do. 

Mr.    Daniel  Huntington,  do.  Mrs. 

Mr.     Jeremiah  Harris,  do.  Doct 

Docl.  Nathaniel  Hyde,   do.  Mr. 


Eliihi  Hyde,  Efq.  do. 


•Hon."  Jabez  Hamlin,  Middletown.Mr. 
Rev.  Daniel  Humphreys,  Derby.  Mr. 
Col.    David  Humphreys,  4  copies. Mr. 

J.  Hillhoufe,  Efq!  N.Haven.Mr. 

Wm.  Hillhoufe/ ?Aq.  do. 
Rev.   J .  Huntington  d  .  d  .  Covehti  yDocl 

Ed.  Hinman.Efq.Wocdbur;:  . 

D.  Humphreys, Efq.  Norfolk. Mr. 
Mr.     Benj .  Henfhaw,  Middletown.Mrs. 

Titus  Hofmer,  Efq.  do.  Doa 
Mr.  Benj. Henfhaw,  Glaftenbury.Docl 
Mr.    William  Higgens,  Lyme. 


D.  D  wight,  Mer.  Hartford 
Henry  DeWitt,  Windham, 


John  Ellis,  Lifbon. 
J  oh".  -I  liven. 

Amie  Elderkin,  Windham. 
Charlotte  Eidetkin.  do. 

Jcfiah  Faffet,  F. 

Chu: 

Jeriiih::  Fox,  V 

P.  rearing,  3tu.  at  Law,  do. 

Aaron  Gager,  Norwich. 
Benj.  Gale,  Yale-College. 
S.  Grifwold,  EaflyMartfoid. 
Sam.  Gray,jun.  Windham-, 
A.  Gorham,  Stratford. 
Benj.  Gaylord,  N.  Fairrield. 
Wm.  Gaylord,  do. 
Wait  Goodrich, Glaitenbury. 

James  Hofmer,  Han. 

Daniel  Hopkins,      do. 

Jofeph  Hart,  Mer.  do. 

Thomas  Hildrup,    do. 

Nath.  Hatch,  New-Fairfield. 

Daniel  Hinfdale,  Hartford. 

M.  Holmes,  Efq.  Willi. ^ton. 
.  James  Hooker,  Windfor. 

Wenf.  Hobby,  Middle  town. 

Sally  Howard,  Windham. 

Ho.  Hurl beit,  uvn. 

Gideon  Hawley. 

Levi  Holden,  Kew-Lcndon. 

Benj.  Hanks,  Litchfield. 
Hart,  Berlin. 

Noble  Hine,  I  >rd. 

Sam.  Hopkins,  Go: 
.  Lem.  Hopkins,  Hartford: 
[opkins,      do. 

Abiel  Hoimes,  Tutor  Y.  Col. 

Henry  Hill,  New-H; 
,  Rene  Hopkins.  Hart 
.  Timo.  Hofmer,  Farnlington. 
.  Silas  Hartliiorn,  Norwich. 


Wm.  Judd,Efq.Farmingtcn.  J.  Ingenol,  Efq.  N.  Haven. 

Wm.  lmlay,  Efq.  Kanicrd.  Mr.    Hor.  Johnfon,  Middletown. 


SUBSCRIBERS     NAMES. 


Mrs. 
Mr. 


Hon. 
Rev. 

Doa 

I.Tr. 
IVLr. 
Mr. 


Rev. 

Mr! 

Mr. 

Mr. 

Mr. 


Kev. 

Gem 

Doft. 
Rev. 

Gen. 
Col. 

Rev. 


Mr. 
Col. 

Mr. 

Mr. 


John  IndiCott,  Hartford.       Mr. 
Anna  Jepfon,        do. 
Daniel  Jones,  Mer.  do. 

E  \\.  Kirby,  Efq.  L'tchneld.Mr. 
J. 'King,  Ridgeftelcl,  2  cop.  Mr. 
Richard  Law,  New-London. Docl. 
d.  Mr. 
tiwich.  Mr. 
T.  Laarrabe,  L     .  .warn. Mr. 

joihua  Lathrop,  Norwich. 
Chrif.  Leffingwcl'l,  Eiq.  do. Mr. 
Peter  Laiunan-,     do.  Mr. 

Wm,  Lemng-weJl.,  dcf.  Mr. 

Win.  Lcri-  j,.  Mr. 

James  Lord, 

5  Loom  is. 

■  Lyman,  Hartford. 
r.  Mumford,  Ef.w  Norwich. 
r,on. 
W.M  q.-Hartf;  sco. 

Lis,  Sa. brock. 
N.  S  liU.  Mr. 

j.  Morgan,  Mer.  Hartford. 
Eben.  Man,  NV.v-Fairiield.M  aj. 

[arih,  do.  Mr. 

Ii?.ac  Savea. 

jofiah  Meigs,  Lie.  do.  I  I  •. 

Eneas  -  jun.  do.         Mr. 

Charles  Magil,  Middletown. Mr. 
Afaer  Miller",  Efq,  do.  Mr. 

J.O.Mo:elv,Eiq/E.HaddamMr. 
David  McCiure,E.Windior. 
Roger  Newbury,  Windfof'.    Rev. 
Win.  alanford.Mr. 

fdhnOrAorn,  wn.  Mr. 

}.  C.  Ogden,  New-Haven.   Mr. 

S.  H.  Par.cns,  Mi  Idletown.Mn 

C-o.  Pitkin,  Eafi-Kurtford.Capt. 


]\dps.  do. 


Do:t. 


Nathan  Perkins,  Hartford.     Mr." 
1  Perkins,  Bfq.  do.         Mr. 
Ch.  P  won. 

Lwwwwwy.Mr. 
James  Potter, New-^Fairfiel 
.■Id. 
.  Porier.  Saliihury.        Mr. 
William  Pain,  do.  Mr. 

Aaron  Payne,  do. 


Elijah  Janes. 

S.  W.  Johnfon,  Efq.  Sratfbrd. 

Walter  King,  Norwich. 
Abraham  Keeny. 

Jofeph  Lynde,         do. 
Samuel  Lawrence,  do. 
C.  Lowrey,  New-Fairfield. 
William  Lyon,  New-Haven. 
Mark  Leavenworth,  Efq.  do. 
Charles  Lathrop,    do. 
Daniel  W.  Lewis,  do. 
John  Leverett,  Middletown. 
Lynde  Lord,  jun.  Litchfield. 
Brothers  in  Unity  Library, 

Yale-College. 
Union  Librar) ,  Wethersfield. 
AmosMead,  Efq.  Greenwich. 
Eenj.  Mead,  Eiq.  do. 
John  Mackay,  Efq.  do. 
M.  Merwin,Efq.  Brooklyne. 
John  Meigs,  Middletown. 
J.  Morris, jun.  E%.  Litchfield 
Tneoph.  Munfon,  Fairiield. 
Elihu  Mather,  Windfor. 
John  McClellen,  Norwich. 

Z  urdy,  do. 
Edmorid  Mead,  Greenwich. 
Andrew  Mead,  do. 
Eben.  Mead,  do. 
Andrew  Miller,  do. 

Samuel  Nctt,  Franklin. 
Join.  Norman, jun.  Norwich. 

J.  Ogden,  Mer.  Hartford. 
Dan, el  Oicott,  do.  do. 

S.  W.  Pomeroy,  Hartford. 
Samuel  Potter,  Branford, 
Jared  Potter,  Wallingford. 
Allen  Prier,  Windfor. 
Jer.  Piatt,  Mer.  New  Haven. 
Jabez  Perkins,  Efq. Norwich. 
Jofeph  Perkins,  do. 
Joihua  Pico,       do. 
Nathan  Peters,  Efq.  Prefron. 
Efifha  Perkinsjun.  Plain  field. 
J.  E.  Porter,  New-Haven. 


SUBSCRIBERS     NAMES. 


Maj. 
Capt, 

Maj. 
Mr. 
Hon. 
Rev. 

Hon. 
Gen. 

Gen. 
Rev. 


Maj . 

Rev. 

Mr. 

Gen. 

Col. 
Col. 

Maj. 


Tap.  Reeve,  Efq.  Litchfield. 
jer.  Ripley,  Efq.  Coventry.  Mr. 
Hez.  Rogers,  Norwalk.         Mr. 
Jed.  Rogers,  do.  Mr. 

M.  T.  Ruffe!!,  Efq.Midd!.  Mr. 
John  Ripley,  Windham.  Mr. 
W.  F.  Rowland,  Windfor.  Mr. 
Roger  Sherman,  NewHaven. 
E.  Stiles,  d.  d.  Pr.  Y.  Coll. 
Thomas  Seymour,  Hartford. 
Heman  Swift,  Cornwall. 
D.  Sherman,  Efq. Woodbury. 
Comfort  Sage,  Middletown. 
Nathan  Strong,  Hartford. 
C.  Southworth,  Efq.  Maftsfi. 
Reuben  Sikes,  Efq.  Somers. 
T.  Y.  Seymour,  Efq.  Hartf. 
Ezekiel  Scott,  Farrnington. 
Zeph.  Swift,  Efq.  Windham. 
Sam.  Stebbins,  Simfburv. 
Thomas  Stedman,  Windham. 


Rev. 
Hon. 

Hon. 

"Col. 
Maj. 


Mr. 
Mr. 
Docl 


Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 


Dyer  Throop,  Eaft-Haddam 
Jona.  Trumbull,  Lebanon. 
B.  Tallmadge,  Litchfield,  4. 
Wra.  Thomfon,  Hartford. 
H.  Thomfon , Eiq.  Woodbury 
Cri.  Tracy,  Eiq.  Litchfield. 

Benoni  Upfon,  Berlin. 

Oliver  Wolcott,  Lieut.  Gov 

Litchfield. 
Wm.  Williams,  Lebanon. 
J .  Wadfworth,Hartford,5o  co. 
John  P.  Wyllys,  do. 
Wm.  Wolcott,  Efq.  Windfor. 
Alex.  Wolcott,  Eiq.  do. 
E.  Williams,  Efq.  Wethersf. 
Sol.  Willes,  Eiq.  Tolland: 
Wm.  Whitman,  Efq.  do. 
Ol.  \Yolcott,jun.  Eiq.  Hartf. 
N.  Webfter,j'uh.Efq!do.  2co. 
J.  Webb, Mer.  Wetncrsfield. 
J.  Watfon,Mer.  E.  Windfor. 
John  Wood,  L? anbury. 

D.  Wright,  London. 

E.  Woodru  iddleto 
E.  Williams ,  jun. 
James  Wells,  Mer.  Hartford, 
Fred.  Wolcott,  Litch 
Samuel  Young,  N.  Fairfield. 


Mr. 

Mr. 

Doa. 
Col. 

Doa. 

Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Capt. 

Capt. 

Doa. 

Mr. 

Mr. 

Doa. 

Mr. 


.Mr. 

Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Capt 


.Rev. 
Doa. 
Mr. 


Eph.  Root,  Efq.  Hartford. 
Hez.  Ripley,  Windham. 
Jof.  Ruggles,  3d,  New-Milf. 
Tim.  Rockwell,  Colebrook. 
John  W.  Ruffell. 
S.  Reynolds,  New-Fairfield. 
John  Raymond,  do. 

Dan.  Smith,  Mer.  Hartford. 
Smith  Sc  Phelps,  do.  do. 

Richard  Skinner,  jun. 
Ifaac  Stiles,  Efq.  Tolland. 
Reuben  Smith,  Litchfield. 
Ifaac  Sherman,  New-Haven. 
Daniel  Sheldon,  Litchfield. 
Thomas  Sheldon,  do. 
Kirlgib.  Sandiord,  Franklin. 
.  1  Smith,  Woodbury. 
John  Salter,  NewHaven. 
Tim.  Shalcr,  Middletown. 
,  William  Stanton,  Litchfield. 

Timothy  Taylor,  Danbury. 
Philip  Turner,  Norwich. 
Eliiha  Tracy,  Franklin. 
Dan.  Tiler,  jun.  Brooklyne. 
Lem.  Thomas,  NewMilford. 
Nathaniel  Terry,  Hartford* 

L.  Wadf.vorth,  Farrnington. 
D.  Wood,  Efq.  Greenwich. 
Horatio  Wales,  Hartford. 
Aihbel  Wells,  jun.  Mer.  do. 
Peter  Webb,  Mer.  Windham. 
Jof.  Williams,  do.  Norwich. 
Hezekiah  Woodruff,  do. 
Hezekiah  Williams,  do. 
John  Welch,  Litchfield. 
Samuel  Wheeler,  do. 
Elijah  Wadfvorth,  do. 
J.  Walker,  Eiq.  Stratford,  2. 
W.  J.  Whiting,*  Efq. N. Haven 
John  Wood  worth,  do. 

F.  J.  Whiting,  Danbury,  2. 
James  Waring,  Stamford. 
Jofiah  Whitney,  Pomfret. 

igenca  WTaldo,  do. 
J.  A.  Whiting,  Middletown. 
C.  Whittleiy,  Efq'.  do. 

G.  $  A.  Wells,  Glaltenbury. 


SUBSCRIBERS     NAMES, 

State    of    New-York. 

Mr.    C.W.Apthorp,Mer.N.YorkDoct.  Enfebius  Auftin,  GoOien. 
Mr.    T.  Allen,  Bookiellor,  do.  24. 

Hon.  Egbert  Benfon,  N.  York,  2. Mr.  James  Bleecker,  Albany. 

Col.    Andrew  Boitwick,  do.   2.     Mr.  liaac  H.  Bogart,  do. 

Maj.   David  Brooks,  do.   2.  Col.  Aaron  Burr,   New-York. 

Robert  Benfon,  Eiq.  do.  2.  Jared  Bancker,  Efq.  do. 

Mr.    John  Bleecker,  Mer.  Albany. Mr.  A-  Billings,  Poughkeepfie,  2. 

His  Ex.  Geo.  Clinton,  N.  York,  4. Mr.  W.  Conftable,  Mer.  N.York. 

£>ocl.  James  Cogfwell,  do.  Mr.  John  Cox,      do.        do.  3. 

Mr.     David  Culley,  Claverack.    Mr.  John  M.  Carter,  do. 

Capt.  S.  Cogfwel,  Lanfingburgh.  Mr.  Edward  Cumpton,  Albany. 

Hon.  J.  Duane,  Mayor,  N.  York.Mr.  J. D.  P. Douvv, Mer.  Albany. 

Hon.  William  Duer,       do.   2.       Mr.  J.  K.  Durgee,  New-York. 

Simeon  DeWitt,  Efq.  do.  2. Col,  Lewis  Dubois,  do.  2. 
Mr.    Verdine  Ellfworth,  N.York: 

T. V.W . Grajiam,  Efq.  Alba.  J.  G.  Graham,  Poughkeepfie 

Ezek.  Gilbert,  Eiq.  Hudfoa. 

Hon.  J.  S.Hobart,  New-York.      Capt.  J.Hoogland,Lanfingburg,  3 
Hon.  Alex.  Hamilton,   do.   2.       Mr.     Ala  Hiliiar,  Eait-Kampton. 
Col.    James  M.  Hughes,  do.   2.     Col.    Udny  Hay,  Fort-Edward,  2. 
J.  Honeywood,  Efq.  Salem.  Mr.  Robert  Henry,  Mer.  Albany. 

Fred.  Jay,  Efq.  New- York. Capt.  T.  T.  Jackfon,Rynebeck,2. 
Col.    John  Jamefon,     do.  4. 

Hon.  R  R.  Livingfton,  N.  York.  Gilbert  Livingfton,  Efq.  do. 

Hon.  John  Lanfmg,  jun.  Albany.  Capt.  Robert  H.  Livingfton,    do. 

A.  G.  Lanfmg,  Efq.  do.  J.  Lawrence,  Efq.  N.  York. 

Col.    Brock.  Livingfton,  N.  York.  John  Lovett,  Efq.  Albany. 

Maj.  H.  Living  iron,  Poughkeepfie. 

Hon.  R.  Morris,  Ch.Juf  N.York. Rev.   Sol.  Mead,  Salem. 
Docl.  Wm.  Mead;  Scnna£lada.       Rev.  Enoch  Mead,  do. 
Capt.  Tho.  Mackin,  Newburg,  6. Mr.     Aaron  Mead,  do. 

Maj.   Jofeph  Pettengill,  Newburg. Mr.    Jabez  Peck,  E.  Hampton,  3. 

Hon.  Melan    Smith,  New- York.  Capt.  Char.  Selden,  Lanfingburg. 
Hon.  John  M.  Scott,  do.  Capt.  Horace  Seymour,  do.    2. 

Docl  Eben.  Sage,  Eafc-Hampton.  Richard  Sill,  Efq.  Albany. 

Docl  Wm.  P   Smith,  New- York.  P,B.  TenBroeck,  Efq.  Clav. 

Hon.  Abr.  TenBroeck,  Albany.  Capt.  H.  Ten  Eyck,  Schana&ady. 
DocL  P,  Tapper,  Poughkeepfie,  2.  John  Taylor,  Efq.  Albany. 

Gen.  R.  Van  RemTelaer, Claverack  Abraham  Van  Vechten,  Efq. 
Col    H   J.  Van  Ren*Te!aer,  do.  Montgonu    \ 

Maj.  J.  Van  RenfTelaer,        do.  Stephen  Van  RenfTe-Iaer, Efq. 
Mr.    J.J.VanRenffelaer  Albany, 4.  Albany,  3  copies. 

Col.   Richard  Varick,  N.York,  4. Mr.  James  Vernon,  Saratoga. 


SUBSCRIBERS     NAMES. 

Hon.  Henry  Wifener,  Gofhen,  David  Wolfe,   Efq. 

Gen.  S.  B.  Webb,  New- York.       Capt.  Wm.  Watfon,  Schohary,  6. 

H.Wifenerjun.Efq.Wallkill.Mr.    Thomas  Waters,  Gofhen. 

R.H.Wendall,Ei'q.  Albany. Mr.    C.  R.  Webfter,  £ibany,  6. 
Col.    Benj.  Walker,  N.  York,  2.  Mr.    Profper  Wctmcre,  N.  York. 
Hon.  Robert  Yates,  New- York,  2.D0&.  Jofeph  Young,  do. 

State    of    N^w-Jersey. 
Hon.  D.BrearlyjCh.  J  uf.  Trenton  .Hon.  E.  Boadir.ot,  Elifabethtown. 
Hon.  John  Cox,  Bloomfbury.         Col.  J.  Covenhoven,  Monmouth. 
Col.    J.  Cuinming,  Elifabethtown. 

Jona.  Deare,  Efq.  Princeton.Mr.    George  Davis,  Trenton. 
Capt.  Jon.  Dayton,  Elifabethtown. 
Maj.  Thomas  Egbert,  Princeton. 
Dod.  Samuel  Finley,  Salem,  2.      Col.    Moore  Furman,  Pittstown. 

W.C.Houfton,  Efq. Trenton. Mr.    Abraham  Hunt,  Trenton. 
Mr.     Anthony  Joline,  Trenton. 
His  Ex.  Wm.  Livingflon,  Elifabethtown,  2. 
Col.    George  Morgan,  Trenton.  Capt.  William  Martin. 
Gen.  Matt.  Ogden,  Elifabethtown.  A.  Ogden,Efq. Elifabethtown 

Mr.     John  Peck. 

Bowes  Read,  Efq. Burlington.  John  Rutherford,  Efq. 

Mr.     J.  Riddle,  Pro.  Math.  Princeton. 

Rev.  S.  S.  Smith,  Vice  Pref.  Coll.  W.  P.  Smith,  Efq.  Newark. 

Princeton.  Sam.  \V.  Stockton,  Trenton. 

Mrs.  Stockton, ?vforven, Princeton.   Col.  J.  Elifabethtown. 

Matthias  Williamfon,   Efq.  Wiliiamltown. 

State     of     Pennsylv* 

Gen.  J.  Armftrong,  Philadelphia,  Mr.     Stephen  Aurlin,  Merch.  do. 
Rev.  John  Andrews,  D.  D.  do. 

Hon.  William  Bingham,  do.  2  co.  R.  Bache,  Efq.  do. 

Hon.  John  Byard,  do.  John  Baylcv,  Efq. 

Rev.  Robert  Blackwcll,  do.  Mr.     G.  Budd,  Mer.  Philadelphia. 

Ralph  Bowie,  Efq.  do.  Dod.  Barnabns  Binny,  do. 

Mr.    J.  Caldwell,  Philadelphia.     Mr.    Henry  Capper,  Mcrch.  do. 
George  Campbell,  Efq.  do.  Mr.     James  Campbell,  do.     do. 

Sharp  Delane,  Efq.  do.         Mr.    T.  Dcbfon,  Bookf.do.  12  co. 
John  Donnaldfon,  Efq.  do. 

His  Excel.  Benj.  Franklin,  do.  6co.  T.  Fitz  Simmons,  Efq.  do. 

Docl.  James  F.  Finley  do. 

Jacob  Hiltfheimer,  Efq.  do.  George  Henry,  Efq.  do. 

Samuel  Hodgdon,  Eiq.  do.  George  Hugnes,  Eiq.  do. 


SUBSCRIBERS     NAMES. 


Col. 
Mr. 
Mr. 
Rev 

Maj, 
Col. 


Gen. 

Rev. 
Mr. 


diaries  W.  Peale,     do. 
W.Priehard,  Bookfel.do.  12. 


Francis  Johrifon,  do.  Maj.  William  Jackfon,  do. 

Benjamin  Kite,  Frankford. 

Jame^  Lockwood,  Mer.  Philadelphia. 

Samuel  Magaw,  D.  D.  do.  Col.    Samuel  Miles,  do. 
William  Mumford,  Efq.  do.  John  Mitchell,  Efq.  do. 

W.  Mcrherfon,  do. 

Timothy  Pickering,  do.  Mr. 
Thomas  Paine,  Efq.  do.  Mr. 
Samuel  Powell,  Efq.  do. 

D.  RittenJKJafe,  Efq.  do.  2  co.Doct.  Thomas  Rufton,   do. 

Walter  Steward,  do.  Maj.   John  Story,  do. 

Sproat,  D.  D.  do.         Mr.    Tho  Seddons,Bookfeller,d(3r. 

W.Spotfwood,Book.do.  6co.  Benjamin  Steele,  Efq.  do. 

Sam.  Vaughn,  jun.  Efq.  do. 

John  Young,  Efq.  do.  Mr.    W.  Young,  Bookf,  do.  1 2  co. 

State     of     Maryland. 
£.  DeCourcyjEfq.Q^A.  County. 


lion. 


Doct 


W.  Fell,  Efq.  Baltim.  6  co. 

J-  Hanfon,latePr  ofCong.  6, 
G.F. Hawkins, Efq. Potow.  2. 
W.  Hiadman,  EiqTa-1.  Coun. 

J.  Loyd,  Efq.  Kent  County. 
Aquiia  Paca,Efq.  Annapolis. 
R.Ravens,Efq.St.Ma.Coun. 
M.  J.Stone,Efq.  Ch.  County. 
J.T.Chace,  Efq.  Annapolis. 

State     o  ? 
B.  Brown,  Efq.  Windfor. 
Daniel  Farrand,  Efq.  do. 
William  Gould,  Maachefter. 

Additional 
Williams,  Efq.  Bermuda. Mr, 


Perez  Morton,  Efq.  Bofton 

Joieph  Barrel,  Efq.  do. 

Mr. 

Rev. 

Mr.  Clarke,  do. 

Mr. 

Hon. 

William  Pierce,  Georgia. 

Mr. 

James  Seagrove,  Efq.  do. 

Mr. 

Maj. 

John  Webb,  do. 

Mr. 

Maj. 

E.  Kaikell,  Bofton. 

Mr. 

Rev. 

John  Elliot,  do. 

Mr. 

Daniel  Kilikarn,  do. 

Mr. 

Andrew  Hall,  do. 

Nathan  Bond,  do. 

Mr. 

W.  Fitzhugh,  Efq.  Pr.Geo' 

James  Hindman,  Efq.   do. 
R.Henderfon,  Elq.  Bradenib. 


R.  Ridgeley,  Efq.  Ball  Town. 
J.  M.  Stone,  Efq.  Annapolis. 

Ve  R  MONT. 

S.    Jacob, Efq.S.Attor.Wind. 
Briant  Wait,  Efq.       do. 


List. 

William  Little,  do. 
John  Joy,  do. 
B.  Larkin,  Bookfeller.  do. 

A.  Robbins,  Tut.  Prov.  Col. 
Abel  Flint,     do.         do. 
Benjamin  Carter,         do. 

I.  C.  Nightingale,    do. 
Levi  Hays,  do. 

Nath.  Drinkwater,  do. 
Milton  Mann,       do. 
T.  Poller,  Efq.  Providence. 

B.  Wheeler,  do.  2  copies. 


*?■  v : 


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